There was a crash involving two 18-wheelers and a truck in Tye, Texas on August 9, 2024. According to reports, an 18-wheeler was parked on the shoulder of westbound I-10, with a service truck parked behind it. At the time, the truck was helping change one of the big rig’s tire. While this occurred, a second 18-wheeler went onto the shoulder and struck both the service truck and the other 18-wheeler. At least five people were injured in the crash. The crash happened at 2:15 in the morning. Additional details have not yet been released.
The risk of an 18-wheeler veering onto the shoulder and colliding with another 18-wheeler parked to change a tire is a significant safety concern, particularly on highways and busy roadways. The sheer size and weight of these vehicles amplify the potential for catastrophic damage in the event of a collision. When a truck driver pulls over to the shoulder for an emergency tire change, they are often exposed to high-speed traffic, and any miscalculation by other drivers can result in a devastating accident. Factors like poor visibility, driver fatigue, or distraction can increase the likelihood of an 18-wheeler drifting onto the shoulder, turning what should be a routine maintenance task into a life-threatening situation.
The limited space on highway shoulders is a major contributor to this risk. These areas are typically narrow and not designed for extended stops, especially for large vehicles like 18-wheelers. When a truck is parked on the shoulder, it occupies a significant portion of the space, leaving little room for error. If another truck veers off its lane, there is minimal time and distance to correct the course or avoid a collision. Moreover, the presence of a stopped truck may not be immediately visible to an oncoming driver, particularly at night or during inclement weather, further increasing the danger.
Driver behavior plays a critical role in these incidents. Fatigue is a common issue among long-haul truckers, and it can impair judgment and reaction times. A drowsy driver may inadvertently drift towards the shoulder, not realizing the presence of a parked vehicle until it is too late. Additionally, distractions such as mobile phones or onboard devices can take a driver’s attention away from the road, leading to dangerous situations where a truck veers off its lane. Even momentary lapses in concentration can have severe consequences when operating such large and heavy vehicles.
Preventative measures are crucial in mitigating the risk of these accidents. Proper signage warning of vehicles stopped on the shoulder, improved lighting, and better-designed emergency stop areas can help alert oncoming drivers to potential hazards. Additionally, truck drivers should be trained to use reflective triangles, flares, or other warning devices when stopping on the shoulder to change a tire, increasing their visibility to other drivers. Regular breaks and adherence to driving hour regulations can also reduce the incidence of driver fatigue, ultimately decreasing the likelihood of these dangerous veering accidents.
There have been a number of recent accidents involving vehicles, resulting in severe injuries and sometimes death. There was an 18-wheeler accident in Harrison County, Texas on July 30, 2024. There was a deadly crash involving an 18-wheeler and dirt bike in Grayson County, Texas. An 18-wheeler struck and killed a motorist who left his vehicle on Loop 410 in San Antonio, Texas on July 31, 2024. There was a crash involving two 18-wheelers in Brownsville, Texas on August 3, 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.