• 16
  • February
    2012

As regular readers of this blog are certainly aware, truck accidents involving semi tractor-trailers can lead to serious accidents with catastrophic injuries. The disparity between the size and weight of big rigs and passenger vehicles leaves regular cars and trucks at a distinct disadvantage when involved in a crash with a semi. In addition the size of a semi trailer can lead to other accidents because of the way in which they limit visibility for other drivers.

Beyond the danger for Houston residents from being directly involved in a collision with a semi truck, there is also an additional danger from semi cargo that can be spilled in a crash. Semi trucks often carry flammable or toxic substances that can contamination or even fiery explosions. Even when the cargo is not inherently dangerous simply by spilling onto the highway it can cause additional crashes. Just this week in Texas semi truck crash sent hundreds of pounds of cheese onto the highway.

The semi was pulling a refrigerated trailer full of cheese when the driver lost control of the rig and veered off the highway. The semi flipped onto its side knocking the top off of the trailer. The accident occurred at about 7:30 in the morning during the rush hour and spilled the cargo of cheese all along the highway. Fortunately no additional accidents were reported as a result of the spilled cheese, though it seems likely that the roadway became quite slippery when cars drove over the cheese.

After the truck careened off the highway the cab struck and damaged a nearby house. Part of the driveshaft from the semi was shot out of the wreckage and flew into the garage of another house and caused damage to a vehicle parked inside.

Source: KTXS Channel 12 News, "18-Wheeler Crashes Off I-20, Spills Load Of Cheese Along Road," Michelle Chan, Feb. 15, 2012