A lorry driver who died after his vehicle left the road and overturned on the A74 in Scotland is likely to have fallen asleep, a fatal accident inquiry found.
German national Thomas Hein, 25, died on 14 July 2023 at around 2.30pm four miles north of junction 15 near Moffat, Dumfries and Galloway.
The inquiry heard how the driver, who was described as hard working and experienced, failed to negotiate a slight right hand bend and left the carriageway, crossed a grass verge onto an embankment and overturned.
Tachograph analysis showed Hein had properly observed rest periods and had not exceeded his driving time. There was no evidence of a catastrophic mechanical failure, driver impairment or of another vehicle being involved.
Blood and urine tests proved negative for alcohol and drugs.
Investigators also found no evidence of evasive action being taken by Hein, such as emergency braking or steering input.
They concluded that where a driver was fully conscious and alert of their surroundings, it would be expected that some attempt to correct the position of the vehicle would be evident.
Sheriff Colm Dempsey said: “Despite proper rest periods being observed, it is not unusual for a driver to be overcome by tiredness, especially on long, monotonous motorway journeys.
“The cause of the accident has inevitably to be a matter of inference. On the available evidence, the conclusion which I have reached, is that Mr Hein fell asleep at the wheel, his vehicle thereafter failed to negotiate a slight right hand bend and left the carriageway before overturning.”
He expressed his condolences to the family and friends of Hein.
