Driver Killed After Colliding With Tractor Trailer on Freeway Shoulder

Police say that a now-deceased driver on the Katy Freeway veered onto the shoulder at speed before colliding with a stopper tractor-trailer. The driver was reportedly seen weaving in and out of traffic moments before the deadly collision.

Houston authorities say they responded to a deadly accident on the Katy Freeway on Friday, July 2nd, at around 8:40 p.m. Witnesses reported seeing the now-deceased driver driving recklessly and weaving through traffic just moments before they struck the tractor-trailer.

The victim was driving a Chevy Cruze in the westbound lanes of the Freeway near Madison when they veered onto the shoulder of the roadway. Also on the shoulder was a fully stopped tractor-trailer, which the driver collided with at a relatively high speed.

The driver was pronounced dead at the scene. No other injuries were reported in relation to this incident.

Authorities said the driver of the tractor-trailer was completely stopped on the inside shoulder of the highway around 8:40 p.m. near Mason Road.

Sgt. Ramon Gutierrez reiterated to reporters the importance of driving safely over the holiday weekend and beyond. Gutierrez reminded Texans to drink responsibly and to never drive under the influence.

“Obviously, if you’re going to drink, have a plan ahead,” Gutierrez told reporters. “And, don’t drink and drive, cause we’re going to have our hands full.”

In 2020, nearly 250 crashes occurred in Texas involving farm equipment. Unsurprisingly, these kinds of accidents were just under three times more likely to occur in rural areas compared to urban ones. This means that, while Texans who live in rural areas may need to take extra precautions on the road in the summertime, city residents are also affected by these crashes.

Of the 250 Texas farm equipment accidents in 2020, six resulted in at least one fatality. While this number might seem low, it’s relatively high compared to other crashes. For instance, while less than 1% of passenger car accidents result in a fatality, more than 2% of farm-equipment accidents were fatal. Once again, it should come as no surprise that all of the fatal Texas farm equipment accidents of 2020 took place in rural areas.

All of this goes to show that, although farm equipment accidents may be statistically unlikely to happen to you, the risk should absolutely be taken seriously. You may not come across many tractors on the road, but it’s important that you know how to react if you do.

Here are some tips we have compiled in our safety guide to share Texas roads with large farm equipment. Download our handy guide and share it with friends to help them stay safe, too!

Book Your FREE Consultation Now

Source : ABC13

Driver Killed After Colliding With Tractor Trailer on Freeway Shoulder

Lapeze & Johns