Tractor-Trailers Collide on Interstate 77 in Elkin, North Carolina

Elkin, N.C. - Cbs17.com writes that a collision between two tractor-trailers shut down lanes of Interstate 77 in Surry County North Carolina, near the state's border with Virginia. Numerous fire departments responded to the scene of the accident. The authorities have not yet released information regarding any potential injuries caused by a crash, but reports indicate that the two vehicles were engulfed in smoke and were on fire.*

Smoke from the damaged rigs was visible for miles from the scene of the crash. The cause of the accident was not released, but both of the trucks were in the median when rescue workers arrived at the scene. Officials indicated that the accident occurred at about 4:45 in the afternoon. The highway was not reopened until about 10 p.m.

Crashes involving large trucks are some of the more devastating accidents to occur on the road. These massive vehicles are called 18-wheelers because between the truck and the trailer; this is the number of tires the vehicle needs to support its enormous size. When it comes to these enormous trucks, there is no such thing as a minor fender bender.

In addition to the size factor, many trucks are used to transport flammable or otherwise dangerous chemicals. In these cases, a crash can lead to the leaking of chemicals onto the road and potentially cause fires to break out at the crash site. 

While truck crashes present a host of dangers for everyone on the road, truck drivers are not more likely to be involved in an accident. The bigger issue is that when there is an accident, it is more likely to lead to a fatal injury. Because most collisions involving big rigs are the result of another vehicle driving into the tractor-trailer’s lane, it is important for all drivers to remain cautious and to give plenty of space to these vehicles.

Accident News is a safety and education initiative from Montlick & Associates, designed to help people better understand and thereby avoid common accident causes.  To learn more about our injury prevention programs, including iridesafe.com - click here. We hope you are never in an accident, but if you or family member are injured, call Montlick & Associates 24/7 for your free consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333) or use our live chat at Montlick.com.

Source:https://www.cbs17.com/news/north-carolina-news/fiery-crash-between-2-tractor-trailers-closes-part-of-i-77-in-nc/