Authorities have released new information on the fatal crash involving multiple 18-wheelers that tragically killed two people in Sherman County, Texas, Tuesday afternoon.
Poor Visibility Caused Semi-Truck to Cross Center Line on U.S. 54
The June 9th accident occurred around 3:40 p.m., as one of the three semi-trucks was heading northeast on U.S. Highway 54, about 11 miles outside of Stratford. According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, the driver was unable to see road markings because of strong winds and blowing debris.
The first 18-wheeler crossed the center line and hit a second semi-truck head-on, causing both vehicles to burst into flames upon impact. The third 18-wheeler was unable to avoid the wreck and collided with the second truck’s trailer.
2 Truckers Died at Sherman County Crash Scene
While the driver and passenger in the third semi-truck were able to escape before their vehicle caught fire, the other two truckers died at the crash scene.
The Texas Department of Public Safety has not identified either victim and continues to investigate Tuesday’s tragic accident.
Adverse Weather Causes 1 in 10 Commercial Trucking Accidents
Reduced visibility is among the obvious threats posed by high winds. But because semi-trucks and other big rigs are taller and wider, they’re more likely to catch the wind than most other vehicles on the road. This can cause a truck’s trailer to rock and sway, especially if it’s empty. If the trailer becomes unbalanced, the 18-wheeler might jackknife or rollover.
Any vehicle following behind could become lodged under the trailer if the trucker loses control and must brake quickly. Should high winds dislodge any improperly loaded cargo, debris might fall onto the roadway and cause a crash.
Roughly 1 in 10 accidents involving 18-wheelers and other commercial vehicles are the result of adverse weather conditions. Yet the Trump administration recently finalized weakened Hours of Service Rules that, among other things, modified the adverse weather exemption by extending the maximum window during which a commercial driver can remain on the road by two hours.
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