Updated on: 11/25/2019
A crash involving three semi trucks shut down all lanes of westbound State Route 18 for nearly eight hours on Monday, according to the Washington State Patrol.
The incident occurred around 2 p.m. near the Issaquah-Hobart Road exit on westbound SR 18.
Police say a semi truck was likely driving too fast for the snowy conditions when it lost control and hit a barrier. A second semi truck attempted to avoid the first collision, but jackknifed and hit the first truck and barrier. A third semi truck was also unable to stop, hitting the second semi.
One semi driver was transported to the hospital after being rescued from the crushed truck. Troopers said the driver’s status was not immediately available but reported the driver was conscious when taken to the hospital.
Further details are not available. The incident remains under investigation.
Location of the Crash
Winter Safety Measures for Truckers
Accidents for all drivers are more likely when there’s snow or ice involved. But when a semi truck wrecks, the consequences and damages are much greater.
While the challenges of driving in a winter storm are obvious, there are several things truck drivers can do to try and avoid a collision.
Proper Maintenance
Too often trucking companies and truck drivers overlook crucial maintenance on their vehicles. These people have a responsibility to be as safe as possible on the roadways, and that includes using safe and well-maintained equipment. Semi trucks take an incredible beating, hauling massive loads across the country. This puts a significant strain on various pieces of the truck, including the brakes, tail lights, tires and mirrors. Drivers should take extra precaution during the winter months to make sure their vehicle is ready for the road.
Reduce Speed
Trucking companies place drivers under intense and often impossible-to-meet deadlines for deliveries. This often leads to speeding, one of the main causes of semi truck crashes. When the weather gets bad during the winter months, speeding can be even more dangerous, as it takes far longer to stop and visibility is greatly decreased.
Keep a Safe Following Distance
Slick, icy or snowy roads mean truckers need extra distance between their truck and the vehicle or object in front of them to stop. A truck following too closely puts others at risk for severe rear end accidents.
Injured in a Semi Truck Crash? We Can Help
If you have been injured in a semi-truck accident in winter weather, let our team of qualified personal injury attorneys review your legal options. At Davis Law Group, our Washington state truck accident lawyers are dedicated advocates for injured victims and their families.
To get a free case evaluation, please contact us today. Our Seattle office serves communities throughout the region. Call (206) 727-400, use the chat feature below or fill out the contact form on this page.
