Jeanne M. Armacost, 57, of Tipp City, was driving a 2015 Ford Fusion south on I-75 when he crashed into the back of a 2020 Kenworth semi trailer, and then was side-swiped by another vehicle that didn’t stay at the scene.
Armacost was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the semi was not injured.
It was one of at least eight fatal crashes reported in the Miami Valley in less than a week.
The incident remains under investigation, but Sgt. Chris Colbert from OSHP’s Dayton Post noted a number of recent crashes are the result of inattentive drivers.
“It’s basic driving 101,” he said. “A large number of these crashes, while there’s an underlying traffic violation, all came down to the fact that people are not paying attention.”
Assured clear distance appears to be the cause of the crash Wednesday, Colbert said.
“There’s really no reason for the accident to have occurred as long as you are following the basic rules about following distance — leaving yourself a car length for every 10 mph — which is obviously a problem that we need to address on the interstate,” he said. “There should have been available lanes and that kind of stuff this morning.”
The crash resulted in multiple lane closures and all southbound lanes were shut down at one point. Traffic was backed up on the highway past the Montgomery/Miami County Line and into Tipp City. I-75 South has since reopened.
With severe winter weather and the Christmas holiday approaching, Colbert reminded motorists to give themselves extra time on the road and pay attention.
“It doesn’t matter where you’re going if you don’t get there,” he said.
The highway patrol said it was assisted at the scene by the Vandalia Division of Police, Vandalia Division of Fire, Butler Twp. Police Department, Butler Twp. Fire District, Montgomery County Coroner’s Office and Ohio Department of Transportation.
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