Oregon highways and interstates run through diverse terrain. Weather conditions change rapidly on roads, making it dangerous for drivers. For those operating tractor-trailers, semi-trucks, and other big rigs, rough road conditions and poor visibility can make truck accidents more likely to happen. Drivers sharing the road with truckers are often impacted by these crashes as well and tend to suffer the most severe injuries. A recent multi-vehicle crash in Madras highlights the dangers and the need to take extra safety precautions when traveling throughout the state.
Multi-Vehicle Crash Involves Two Heavy Trucks
Freezing weather conditions and fog are common to encounter throughout the winter months in Oregon. These can make roads treacherous for all drivers. When big rigs are involved, the results can be disastrous. A major, multi-vehicle accident involving several trucks happened recently, on Highway 26 just three miles north of Madras. According to a December 10, 2019 report by KTVZ Channel 2 News, a total of six cars, two semi-trucks, and a jet fuel tanker truck were impacted in the accident.
While police are still investigating the initial causes, they claim weather conditions and poor visibility caused a chain reaction on the road. Freezing fog and visibility of less than a quarter mile contributed to the number of vehicles involved. Two drivers were taken to local hospitals while the driver of the tanker truck, which was leaking fuel, was able to be removed from the wreckage just before a fire broke out. The accident caused the busy stretch of highway to be closed for hours afterward as clean up crews cleared both the debris and the spilled fuel from the road. Considering the severity of the accident, the number of people involved, and the amount of wreckage, it is fortunate that more drivers were not hurt as a result.
Protecting Yourself on Roads Throughout The State
According to statistics from the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), more than 500,000 big trucks are registered in the state. When driving local roads, highways, and interstates throughout Oregon, the chances are good that you will encounter several of them at some point during your travels. To protect yourself and others, follow these tips:
- Avoid traveling during dense fog or freezing rain.
- If you must go out in adverse weather, take your time and give other drivers plenty of space.
- Realize that trucks take additional time to stop in general and require even more notice when roads are wet or slippery.
- Be aware of trucking no-zones, which are blind spots in front, back, and along the sides of large trucks were drivers completely disappear from the trucker’s view.
Let Us Help You Today
At the Johnston Law Firm, we protect you when dealing with truck drivers, the companies they work for, and their insurers in the aftermath of a crash or collision. Call (503) 546-3167 or contact our Oregon truck accident attorneys online today to request a consultation to discuss your case.