There was an 18-wheeler crash in Wise County, Texas on July 18, 2024. According to reports, an 18-wheeler was traveling westbound on US 380 when it hit a DPS patrol car. At the time, the DPS car had its lights activated and was conducting a traffic stop on the highway’s shoulder. After hitting the DPS car, the 18-wheeler continued and struck the car that had been pulled over. It is unclear if anyone was injured in the accident.
Police officers conducting traffic stops face numerous dangers, one of the most significant being the risk of being hit by an 18-wheeler. It is the responsibility of 18-wheeler drivers to be acutely aware of the roadway and to avoid collisions with vehicles pulled over on the shoulder. Given their size and speed, 18-wheelers require more time and distance to stop compared to smaller vehicles. Truck drivers must remain vigilant, attentive, and prepared to react to any vehicles, including police cars, that may be stopped on the roadside.
Visibility is crucial in preventing these accidents, and truck drivers must ensure they are always paying attention to the road ahead. Police cars, often stopped on the shoulder with their emergency lights activated, should be easily visible. However, it is the truck driver’s duty to anticipate and respond to such situations, especially in areas with curves or over hills where visibility might be reduced. Additionally, in adverse weather conditions such as rain, fog, or snow, truck drivers must exercise even greater caution to maintain a safe distance and avoid collisions.
Distractions can be deadly, and it is essential for 18-wheeler drivers to stay focused on the road. Rubbernecking or diverting attention from the driving task can lead to sudden braking, swerving, or loss of control, increasing the risk of colliding with a stopped police car. Truck drivers must avoid distractions and keep their focus on the road, especially when passing by traffic stops or emergency vehicles.
Preventing these types of accidents requires truck drivers to adhere strictly to safety protocols and regulations. This includes following “Move Over” laws that mandate slowing down and changing lanes when approaching stopped emergency vehicles. Public awareness campaigns can also emphasize the importance of these laws. Trucking companies should ensure their drivers are well-trained in defensive driving techniques and are aware of the heightened responsibility they carry to maintain road safety. By staying vigilant and attentive, 18-wheeler drivers can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and protect the lives of those on the roadside.
There have been a number of recent accidents involving vehicles, resulting in severe injuries and sometimes death. An 18-wheeler collided with a stalled vehicle on Loop 610 North in Houston, Texas on July 3, 2024. There was a deadly crash involving an 18-wheeler in Lubbock County, Texas on July 5, 2024. A Peterbilt Cement Truck rear-ended another vehicle near Midland, Texas on July 12, 2024. There was a deadly accident when a flatbed pickup truck hydroplaned in San Antonio, Texas on July 18, 2024.
Spagnoletti Law Firm has attorneys licensed in Texas, Florida, New Mexico and New York. We have handled numerous cases involving catastrophic auto and bus accidents. Our attorneys have extensive experience and the skills needed to aggressively represent the families of loved ones who have lost their lives or been seriously injured in a trucking or commercial vehicle accident.
The experienced accident attorneys at Spagnoletti Law Firm have previously been involved in similar cases and can help you understand your rights if you or a loved one was involved in an accident. Please contact us online or call 713-804-9306 or to learn more about your legal rights.