There was an 18-wheeler crash north of Amarillo, Texas on November 18, 2024. According to reports, a semi-truck driving on US 287 lost control near Amarillo Creek and the Canadian River. It is believed the wet roadway contributed to the loss of control. After losing control, the semi hit both the highway’s guardrail and the center median. The semi then left the roadway. Two people are believed to have been injured in the crash. Additional details have not yet been released.
The recent crash north of Amarillo, Texas, highlights the critical importance of adjusting speed and driving behavior to account for weather and roadway conditions. Reports indicate that the wet roadway on US 287 likely played a role in the semi-truck losing control. Wet conditions can significantly reduce traction between tires and the road, increasing the likelihood of hydroplaning or skidding, particularly for heavy vehicles like 18-wheelers. This incident underscores the heightened responsibility of truck drivers to reduce speed and exercise caution during adverse weather conditions to ensure their safety and that of others on the road.
Large trucks face unique challenges when it comes to maintaining control on wet or slick surfaces. Due to their size and weight, semi-trucks require more time and distance to stop compared to passenger vehicles. In wet conditions, braking distances are further extended, and sudden maneuvers can lead to loss of stability. For example, a sharp turn or abrupt braking on a wet roadway can cause a truck’s trailer to jackknife or slide out of alignment, creating dangerous situations. To mitigate these risks, truck drivers must reduce their speed, increase following distance, and approach curves or inclines with extra caution.
Weather and roadway conditions can also exacerbate the challenges of navigating specific areas, such as bridges, overpasses, or stretches of road near bodies of water. These locations are often more prone to wet or icy conditions due to temperature differences or exposure to wind and moisture. In the case of this crash, the presence of a guardrail and center median suggests the roadway’s design aims to manage traffic safely, but even the best infrastructure cannot compensate for a vehicle traveling too fast for the conditions. Drivers of heavy trucks must remain vigilant and adjust their driving strategies based on the unique hazards presented by the environment.
The aftermath of crashes involving 18-wheelers can be devastating, often resulting in injuries, significant property damage, and disruptions to traffic. In this incident, two people were reportedly injured, emphasizing the human cost of these preventable accidents. For commercial truck drivers, understanding the importance of slowing down and driving conservatively in poor weather is not only a matter of personal safety but also a professional responsibility. Proper training, adherence to safety protocols, and strict compliance with speed limits during adverse conditions are essential to preventing similar accidents in the future.
This crash serves as a reminder that all drivers, especially those operating large trucks, must remain attentive to weather and roadway conditions and adjust their driving accordingly. For 18-wheelers, slowing down in wet or hazardous conditions is a simple but crucial step to avoid loss of control and protect the safety of everyone on the road. By prioritizing safety over speed, truck drivers can help reduce the risk of accidents and the tragic consequences that often accompany them.
There have been a number of recent accidents involving vehicles, resulting in severe injuries and sometimes death. There was a crash involving multiple 18-wheelers on Interstate 20 near Canton, Texas on November 9, 2024. There was an 18-wheeler crash near Stonewall, Louisiana on November 7, 2024. A bicyclist was hit and killed in McAllen, Texas on November 13, 2024. There was a deadly 18-wheeler crash in Ector County, Texas on November 12, 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 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 to learn more about your legal rights.