Big Rig Crash on Southwest Freeway
A big rig was involved in a rollover crash in Houston on the Southwest Freeway on Wednesday, November 3rd. The rollover crash blocked all lanes of traffic and diverted drivers off the freeway all morning.
The driver of the big rig appears to be unharmed.
Big Rig Rollover Crash
A big rig was heading south on U.S. 69/59 near Highway 288 just before 3:30 a.m. when it overturned.
The mother of the driver spoke for her son and told KHOU 11 News that the semi started to flip at the bend and slid until it jackknifed on the Southwest Freeway.
The Houston police stated that the big rig was carrying 48,000 pounds of sheet metal.
Crews spent the morning moving the 18-wheeler into position where it could be turned upright. Other crew members cut through sheet metal that had spilled onto the road to clear the way for drivers.
The driver of the 18-wheeler appears to be okay and was joined by his family at the scene.
The cause of the crash is undergoing investigation.
Semi-Truck Crash Statistics
In 2018, semi-trucks were involved in 112,000 injury crashes and 414,000 property damage-only accidents. Because 18-wheelers weigh 20 to 30 times more than a passenger vehicle, it makes them especially dangerous.
The causes of semi-truck accidents can vary, but some common causes include:
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- Distracted Driving — Distracted driving can cause you to take your eyes off the road for a split second and result in a crash. With the extra weight that a semi-truck carries, it is especially important that drivers put all distractions away.
- Poor Vehicle Maintenance — The number of miles that a semi-truck drives each day can put a lot of wear and tear on the vehicle. Semi-trucks require regular maintenance to prevent a mechanical issue from causing a crash.
- Mechanical Failure — Mechanical failures can happen in all motor vehicles, including semi-trucks. Brakes can malfunction or the steering wheel may lock causing a serious accident.
- Inclement Weather — Inclement weather is dangerous for any vehicle to drive in. The extra load that semi-trucks carry puts them at a greater risk for an accident.
- Improper Cargo Loading — Many semi-trucks carry goods across the country. This cargo should be secured properly before driving on the road. If cargo isn’t properly loaded, it could result in a major accident.
The major causes of semi-truck accidents are similar to other passenger vehicles. With the extra load that semi-trucks carry, it’s important that the drivers are taking the proper safety precautions on the road. If you’re driving near a semi-truck, give the truck plenty of room when you pass, try to stay out of the driver’s blind spot, and always signal before changing lanes.
If you’ve been injured in an accident involving a semi-truck or other commercial vehicle, contact your Houston truck accident attorneys at Lapeze & Johns for help with your legal claim.
Source : KHOU11
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