1 Killed in Head-on Crash With Tractor-Trailer
Car accidents can result in fatalities when large vehicles like tractor-trailers are involved. Wrong-way driving can also play a factor, as a man was recently killed in a crash in Dickson County.
The accident happened on the morning of February 24 on Interstate 40. All westbound lanes of I-40 near mile marker 172 were blocked for several hours due to the crash.
The accident happened when a Toyota Sienna was driving eastbound in the westbound lanes of I-40. The van collided head-on with a Coca-Cola tractor-trailer that was traveling in the correct direction.
The driver of the Toyota, a 36-year-old man from Tennessee, died in the crash. His 17-year-old passenger was injured. Both were wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash. The truck driver was also wearing a seatbelt. He was not injured.
Traffic was backed up approximately four miles after several hours. Traffic was diverted off the exit before the crash location. An hour later, one lane had reopened to traffic, but close to 40 gallons of diesel fuel spilled onto the roadway. A HAZMAT team cleaned up the spill.
Crashes Involving Passenger Cars and Tractor Trailers
Crashes involving passenger cars and tractor-trailers are often far more severe than typical car-to-car accidents due to the massive size, weight, and force of commercial trucks. These collisions frequently result in catastrophic injuries, fatalities, and extensive property damage. Here’s why these crashes are especially dangerous:
- Extreme size and weight differences. A fully loaded tractor-trailer can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, compared to 3,000 to 4,000 pounds for most passenger cars. This enormous imbalance means occupants of smaller vehicles absorb much greater impact forces, greatly increasing injury severity.
- Higher impact forces. Because of their mass and momentum, semi-trucks generate tremendous crash energy, even at moderate speeds. This often leads to crushing injuries, severe trauma, and fatal outcomes, particularly for car occupants.
- Underride accidents. In underride crashes, a passenger car slides under the trailer, often shearing off the roof or crushing the passenger compartment. These accidents are especially deadly, frequently causing head, neck, and fatal injuries.
- Longer stopping distances. Tractor-trailers require 20–40% more distance to stop than passenger vehicles. If traffic suddenly slows or stops, trucks may be unable to brake in time, leading to high-speed rear-end collisions.
- Jackknife and rollover risks. Hard braking or slippery roads can cause the trailer to swing outward, forming a jackknife shape. This blocks multiple lanes and can strike several vehicles at once. Rollovers can also scatter debris across roadways, triggering multi-vehicle pileups.
- Blind spots and limited visibility. Large trucks have extensive blind zones on all sides. Vehicles traveling in these areas may not be seen by the driver, increasing the risk of lane-change and turning collisions.
Contact Us Today
Car crashes can be deadly, especially when wrong-way driving and large tractor-trailers are involved.
A Mt. Juliet car accident lawyer from The Law Offices of Christopher Eads, PLLC can assist you. We understand that car crashes can have devastating consequences. We are dedicated to helping car accident victims recover compensation and justice. Schedule a consultation today by filling out the online form or calling (615) 622-6060.
Source:
wkrn.com/news/local-news/multi-vehicle-crash-closes-i-40-in-dickson-county/
