Two Semi Trucks Collide at Intersection Redesigned to Decrease Number of Houston Car Accidents

An 18-wheeler and a sport utility vehicle were struck by a second 18-wheeler at the intersection of Woodrow Road and Highway 87 last week.  Both vehicles were stopped at the intersection when the second 18-wheeler slammed into the back of the stationary 18-wheeler causing it to rear-end the SUV.  The Lubbock truck accident took the life of one driver, according to NBC 11.

Houston truck accident lawyers urge you to be alert and cautious when sharing our roads with commercial rigs.  The Lubbock accident was the second incident of the day near the intersection. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) installed signals there just a month ago to help ease the flow of traffic.

 

In February, lights and warning signs near the intersection were installed to improve the poor safety conditions.   The revamp of the intersection was funded, to the tune of nearly $568,000, by state money and with the help of the federal Hazard Elimination and Safety Program.

In 2008, a total of 4,229 people died in a traffic crashes involving large trucks, gross vehicle weight of more than 10,000 pounds, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).  Statistics show that 4,229 people died and an additional 90,000 were injured in those accidents.

Of the 4,229 fatalities that resulted from accidents involving these large trucks, 74 percent were occupants of another vehicle.  

The NHTSA also reports that of all commercial truck drivers involved in fatal accidents in 2008, nearly one-fourth of them had at least one previous speeding traffic violation.

TxDOT offers you these safety tips to keep in mind when sharing the road with larger trucks:

-Remember trucks have blind spots.  Stay out of them and keep visual contact with the drivers as much as possible.

-Be careful when passing a truck.  Don't get back into the lane until you see both headlights of the truck in your rear view mirror.

-Keep a safe distance.  To judge if you're following at an appropriate distance, judge by the two second rule.  Watch the vehicle in front of you pass a fixed object.  You should be able to count at least two seconds before you pass that same object. 

-Watch for truck's wide turns.  Don't try to squeeze in when a truck is making a turn.  They may not be able to see you, which could put you in a compromising situation.

If a you or someone you know or love has been injured in a serious or fatal Houston Car Accident, contact our Houston personal injury lawyer at Stephens Law Firm. Call us at 713.224.0000 to set up a free and confidential appointment to discuss your rights.