The Yolo County I-5 bypass from Woodland to Sacramento was shut down early Monday morning at around 7:30 AM after a big rig collided with a pickup truck. According to the California Highway Patrol’s report, the crash occurred just north of County Road 22 near Woodland, CA. It is also reported that the big rig had swerved, collided with a pickup, and then crashed onto its side, blocking all three lanes and partially hanging off the overpass. What directly caused the crash is unknown at this time.
Details After the Crash
After the crash, the big rig’s load broke free and spilled into the roadway, creating a sizeable green mess covering almost the entire three-lane highway. Authorities had to shut down that section of I-5 until it could be cleared again for traffic. No injuries were reported, and as of now, that stretch of I-5 has reopened.
Tips and Advice to Avoid Big Rig Collisions
Shipping companies like Amazon, FedEx, UPS, and countless more employ thousands of semi-truck drivers throughout the United States, which makes avoiding them on the roadway almost impossible. Big rig trucks are huge shipping freights that usually carry loads close to double the weight of the big rig itself. These large loads create breaking and maneuvering issues, especially when traveling at highway speeds. Given the right conditions, these factors can also contribute to truck crashes and collisions. Below is a series of tips and safety advice drivers can adhere to while sharing the road with these large vehicles.
- When driving on the highways near a large semi-truck, never attempt to pass a big rig on its right side. Big rigs are slower and heavier vehicles requiring longer distances to stop than passenger vehicles. By avoiding passing big rigs on the right side, you allow these heavy trucks to maintain their speed in the slow lane, giving them the best stopping capabilities possible. Additionally, big rig trucks frequently change lanes back and forth between the far right and middle lane. Truckers do this to help mitigate their vehicle’s effect on the flow of traffic and to avoid situations that may be dangerous to drive a large truck nearby.
- Always allow them to pass other large vehicles safely when traveling alongside big rigs. Do not try to speed past or cut in front of a semi-truck when its turning indicator is activated to signal a lane change. Instead, allow them to pass or change lanes safely and patiently share the road. Then, once it is safe, you may pass on the left side, where traffic is encouraged to move faster.
- Do not tailgate big rig trucks. Big rigs have a limited field of view when using their rearview mirrors. If you are following a big rig truck too close behind, the chances are that the truck driver cannot see you. A good rule when traveling behind large vehicles is that if you can see their rearview mirrors, they can see you. However, if you cannot see their rearview mirrors, the driver most likely cannot see you. Always keep a safe distance between yourself and the rear end of other vehicles while traveling along the highway.
The Yolo County I-5 bypass from Woodland to Sacramento was shut down early Monday morning after a big rig collided with a pickup truck. The big rig had swerved and collided with a pickup, then crashed onto its side, blocking all three lanes, and was partially left hanging off the overpass. What directly caused the crash is unknown at this time. However, no injuries were reported, and as of now, that stretch of I-5 has reopened. However, most big rig accidents usually involve at least one party sustaining a severe personal injury. Suppose you have been the victim of a big rig crash that has left you or a loved one with a significant personal injury. In that case, you should seek legal consultation to determine if you qualify for legal compensation for your injuries.
At Eason and Tambornini, our team of expert car accident and trucking accident attorneys has a track record of success handling these types of cases. To schedule your free, no-obligation consultation, please call us at 916-438-1819 or visit our website to chat directly with an attorney.
