Semi/tractor accident near Lone Jack presents issues

The fatal collision of a semi-truck and a farm tractor on highway 50 near Lone Jack, MO, presents some highway use issues familiar to cyclists.

The farm tractor was driving about 25 MPH. The semi hit the tractor from behind, killing the tractor driver.

The semi driver has been charged with involuntary manslaughter. The family of the tractor driver is suing the driver, the trucking company, and others.

The trucking company maintains that the tractor operator should have known that it was dangerous to operate at such slow speeds on Hwy 50, and that he should have obtained a special permit allowing him to drive slower than 40 MPH.

According to Missouri law, there is no minimum speed limit on state highways.