Liberty County, GA (August 27, 2026) – A passenger was seriously injured on Tuesday, August 25, after a box truck crashed into the back of a stopped tractor-trailer on GA 144 in Liberty County.
Georgia State Patrol said emergency personnel responded around 1:47 p.m. near Mile Marker 18 after Fort Stewart Military Police requested an investigation. A 2010 Kenworth tractor-trailer driven by 61-year-old Terrance Young of Bloomingdale was stopped in the westbound lanes because construction workers were blocking the roadway.
A 2007 Kenworth box truck driven by 54-year-old Patrick Davis of Hinesville was traveling westbound toward the stopped traffic. Investigators said the box truck failed to stop and struck the rear of the tractor-trailer.
A 38-year-old passenger in the box truck, who was from Savannah, suffered serious injuries. The passenger was airlifted to Memorial Health University Medical Center in Savannah for emergency treatment.
GA 144 was closed in both directions for more than three hours while crews responded and cleared the wreckage. The roadway reopened at approximately 5 p.m.
Our thoughts are with the injured passenger and their loved ones. We wish the injured individual a full and speedy recovery.
What Should Drivers Know About Rear-End Crashes?
Rear-end crashes can occur when a driver fails to recognize stopped or slowing traffic in time to avoid a collision. Maintaining a safe following distance gives motorists more time to respond to sudden changes ahead. Drivers should also adjust their speed when approaching construction zones, lane closures, or other areas where traffic may stop unexpectedly.
Construction areas can create especially challenging driving conditions because lanes may be narrowed or blocked, and traffic patterns can change. Motorists should watch for signs, cones, flaggers, and stopped vehicles when approaching roadwork. Slowing down early can provide additional time to react safely.
Large commercial vehicles also require extra attention because they can take longer to stop and have larger blind spots than passenger vehicles. Drivers should avoid following trucks too closely and remain alert for changes in traffic ahead. Staying focused and avoiding distractions can help motorists recognize hazards before it is too late to respond.
