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 has 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 (CM 6 March).
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.
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.
