Traffic Disrupted by Eastbound I-80 Accident Involving Big Rigs
Two big rigs and at least one other vehicle collided in North Highlands along eastbound I-80 on April 29. The accident happened just west of the Watt Avenue off-ramp around 5:13 a.m. A person in a Ford F-150 ahead of the accident called the California Highway Patrol (CHP) to advise his truck had been hit by a semi.
Semi Spills Load of Sod on Highway
One of the big rigs was hauling a 53-foot box trailer loaded with sod at the time of the accident. The sides of the trailer were torn off, and half the load had spilled on the roadway while the other half remained inside. A SigAlert was issued to warn other motorists and divert traffic onto Longview.
Minor Injuries Reported in Accident
Although traffic was diverted, motorists managed to pass the accident along the right-hand side. Authorities had to bring equipment to clean up the semi loaded with sod and remove it from the trailer, so it could be lifted. Minor injuries were reported in the crash, and one lane was open for traffic around 6:52 a.m.
Reasons Why Big Rigs Collide With Each Other
Big rig collisions are a major safety issue facing truckers and other road motorists. Many factors can lead to big rig crashes, each of which is important to consider when operating a vehicle of this size. The following list outlines some of the most common reasons for big rig collisions:
- Driver fatigue – Truck drivers often work long hours, making them prone to fatigue-related errors. Drivers who become too tired have difficulty staying focused on the road and may not be able to react quickly enough in an emergency.
- Speeding – Large trucks have more momentum than smaller vehicles and require longer stopping distances, yet some drivers take risks by traveling too fast for conditions or exceeding posted speed limits.
- Distracted driving – When a truck driver is distracted, it can lead to them making mistakes or not being aware of their surroundings. This can include talking on a cell phone, eating while driving, or other activities that take away from the required focus when maintaining control of a large vehicle.
- Poor vehicle maintenance – Semis require regular maintenance and inspection to ensure they operate correctly and safely. Without proper upkeep, parts like brakes and tires may become unreliable and give way in an emergency leading to a collision.
- Unfamiliar roads – Driving routes may change for various reasons, and drivers unfamiliar with roads have less knowledge about potential hazards such as curves, steep inclines, or even railroad crossings.
- Poor navigation – Big rigs often have large blind spots, making it difficult for drivers to see other vehicles. Poor navigation skills coupled with these blind spots can lead to drivers missing other cars in their path and potentially causing an accident.
- Vehicle overload – Trucks overloaded with cargo may be more susceptible to tire blowouts due to the increased weight and pressure on the tires. Additionally, if cargo is not loaded properly, it could shift unexpectedly during transit resulting in a loss of control and a possible collision.
The following video by accident lawyer Ed Smith provides helpful information on finding a lawyer:
Sacramento Truck Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, and I am a Sacramento truck accident lawyer. Call (916) 921-6400 if you have been injured in a semi-truck accident caused by a negligent driver. We can also be reached by telephone at (800) 404-5400 or online. We will be happy to meet with you in person or virtually for a free consultation to discuss the details of your case and your options for recovery.
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Photo attribution: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLQ8I1W1gR8&t=10s; Image by Denise McQuillen from Pixabay
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