What did he do? Ram that service van?
Terrible. All sympathy to the deceased’s family, and to those colleagues who are obviously affected.
On several Service Areas in France there are displayed the wrecks of bright yellow vans with their reflective markings, roof lights, etc hit by cars and trucks. Not a safe job at all.
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Amazes me how these collisions occur, the AR’s are so clear and free running and imo some of the best roads in Europe. R.ip to the poor Sanef guy who lost his life here. Tbh, the Sanef vans are so easy to spot and when doing anything by the roadside no matter how small always have the strobes going.
A couple of years back i saw a brit reg artic rear end one of Sanefs and take out part of the Peage at Lyon in the process… 
To be fair it says firefighters had to extract the truck driver and he’s now in hospital so it’s quite possible he had a medical episode.
Given that driving when tired is said to be as dangerous as drink-driving, it might be time to consider whether nine hours off after working for fifteen hours is sufficient for that person to be on top of their game. I’m not saying this is what has happened here, but if it has then the best thing might be to look at the legislation rather than just locking up the driver and throwing away the key.
Doesnt matter how long youve worked previous, whether its 5 hrs or 15hrs, its still a nine hour break and surely enough for anyone. You cant do this every day of the week in any case.
Who knows what happened here, fell asleep,lack of judgement or maybe just inexperience■■?
AndrewG:
Doesnt matter how long youve worked previous, whether its 5 hrs or 15hrs, its still a nine hour break and surely enough for anyone.
If you took your family on holiday, how would you feel if your aeroplane was piloted by a captain who had just worked three fifteen hour shifts with nine hours off in between?
If tiredness was a factor in this accident then the most important thing is to ensure that
a similar event does not happen in the future.
Everyone is different. I can get by on 5-6 hours sleep quite easy. Do tend to play catchup over the weekend though. But I’ve met plenty who need 8 hours. A 9 hour break makes that pretty difficult, unless you’ve already eaten before parking up
Harry Monk:
Given that driving when tired is said to be as dangerous as drink-driving, it might be time to consider whether nine hours off after working for fifteen hours is sufficient for that person to be on top of their game. I’m not saying this is what has happened here, but if it has then the best thing might be to look at the legislation rather than just locking up the driver and throwing away the key.
100% agree Harry.
A tragic accident whatever the cause.
Harry Monk:
AndrewG:
Doesnt matter how long youve worked previous, whether its 5 hrs or 15hrs, its still a nine hour break and surely enough for anyone.If you took your family on holiday, how would you feel if your aeroplane was piloted by a captain who had just worked three fifteen hour shifts with nine hours off in between?
If tiredness was a factor in this accident then the most important thing is to ensure that
a similar event does not happen in the future.
Ive no idea the rules on aviation but if that was the case and it was done legal and above board i wouldnt have a problem with it, there are two pilots in any case. A co pilot is there to aid the captain and takeover if necessary.
Who knows what happened in this case, only an investigation will reveal the probable cause…
OVLOV JAY:
Everyone is different. I can get by on 5-6 hours sleep quite easy. Do tend to play catchup over the weekend though. But I’ve met plenty who need 8 hours. A 9 hour break makes that pretty difficult, unless you’ve already eaten before parking up
Thing is Jay fatigue can catch up on you when you least expect it. 
A long drive, warm truck, cruise control, heater on, and sorry to say 5 to 6 hours kip the night before makes for a lethal combination.
‘‘Legal does not necessarily equate to Safe’’
I have always thought 9 hours rest is not enough in real terms, to set off again for another shift driving 44 tonnes and more so for a day man who has to drive to and from work within that period.
robroy:
OVLOV JAY:
Everyone is different. I can get by on 5-6 hours sleep quite easy. Do tend to play catchup over the weekend though. But I’ve met plenty who need 8 hours. A 9 hour break makes that pretty difficult, unless you’ve already eaten before parking upThing is Jay fatigue can catch up on you when you least expect it.
A long drive, warm truck, cruise control, heater on, and sorry to say 5 to 6 hours kip the night before makes for a lethal combination.‘‘Legal does not necessarily equate to Safe’’
I have always thought 9 hours rest is not enough in real terms, to set off again for another shift driving 44 tonnes and more so for a day man who has to drive to and from work within that period.
I agree rob. Fortunately for me with this job, it’s rare to do more than 2 hours straight in the saddle
robroy:
I have always thought 9 hours rest is not enough in real terms, to set off again for another shift driving 44 tonnes and more so for a day man who has to drive to and from work within that period.
Maybe for a day driver Rob its not so good factoring having to get to and fro work but long distance and i dont see it as a problem. We’re all different but i always do 3x 15’s + 2 x 10hr drives and have done for years, it gets me Mal/ Cal return in four and a half days. Recognising when tiredness is taking its toll is paramount though and the first sign im in the Aires for an extra hour…
Harry Monk:
AndrewG:
Doesnt matter how long youve worked previous, whether its 5 hrs or 15hrs, its still a nine hour break and surely enough for anyone.If you took your family on holiday, how would you feel if your aeroplane was piloted by a captain who had just worked three fifteen hour shifts with nine hours off in between?
Pilot tiredness is actually an industry problem. There have been a few stories lately of both pilots falling asleep and waking up way past their destination. High stress + long periods of excruciating boredom + ridiculous start/finish times are to blame.
switchlogic:
To be fair it says firefighters had to extract the truck driver and he’s now in hospital so it’s quite possible he had a medical episode.
Le conducteur britannique du poids lourd, âgé de 57 ans, a été extrait de sa cabine par les sapeurs-pompiers de Vitry-en-Artois avant d’être évacué vers le centre hospitalier d’Arras. Il a été médicalisé sur place par le SAMU mais ses jours ne sont pas en danger.
The 57 year old British driver was removed from the cab by the Vitry-en-Artois emergency services and then was taken to the Arras Hospital. He was treated at the scene but his injuries are not life threatening.
I see what you are all saying regarding tiredness etc, if this driver was heading home from a long stint , lets say from Lyon or Dijon, but he wasn’t. He was heading south and was probably 90 minutes from the port/tunnel.
AndrewG:
Harry Monk:
AndrewG:
Doesnt matter how long youve worked previous, whether its 5 hrs or 15hrs, its still a nine hour break and surely enough for anyone.If you took your family on holiday, how would you feel if your aeroplane was piloted by a captain who had just worked three fifteen hour shifts with nine hours off in between?
If tiredness was a factor in this accident then the most important thing is to ensure that
a similar event does not happen in the future.Ive no idea the rules on aviation but if that was the case and it was done legal and above board i wouldnt have a problem with it, there are two pilots in any case. A co pilot is there to aid the captain and takeover if necessary.
Who knows what happened in this case, only an investigation will reveal the probable cause…
Interesting that after a fatal, traffic was kept running past the scene, generally in this country the police shut the whole affected carriageway from the previous junction.