A trash-hauling tractor-trailer in Orange County overturned along the Turnpike southbound ramp from Interstate 4. About 80,000 pounds of garbage fell across the exit ramp. The Florida Highway Patrol said that the driver of the semi initially told them that he lost control of his vehicle when the front tire blew out. Subsequent investigation revealed that the trucker had been speeding and that the tire was damaged when he hit the meridian after losing control.
Although FHP was not able to determine the precise speed that the trucker was traveling at, the speed limit is 25 miles per hour on the sharp curve. Although one passenger vehicle was damaged when debris from the truck struck it, no motorists suffered injuries in the collision.
The Turnpike exit and the I-4 entrance where the tractor-trailer crash in FL occurred were closed a few hours for cleanup. The trucker was cited for speeding and released.
Slow Down to Help Prevent Florida Truck Accidents
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), a truck’s efficiency in braking can be a huge factor when it comes to large truck crashes. Loaded tractor-trailers take 20-40 percent more distance than passenger cars to come to a halt. That is why it is vital that truckers watch their speed and account for varying road conditions when driving vehicles that can weigh 20-30 times as much as a passenger car.
We are certainly glad that nobody was injured during this truck accident, but the fact remains that large trucks continue to contribute to a large number of injuries and deaths to people in passenger vehicles and others on the road. If you are injured in a large truck accident, call the Orange County truck accident attorneys at Farah & Farah at (800) 533-3555 for more information on how our experienced professionals can help you.
Sources: http://www.clickorlando.com/news/Turnpike-ramp-to-Interstate-4-reopens-after-tractor-trailer-crash/-/1637132/8571646/-/10bfq0b/-/index.html;http://www.wftv.com/news/news/local/overturned-tractor-trailer-causes-turnpike-exit-i-/nHQRr/;http://www.iihs.org/research/fatality_facts_2009/largetrucks.html#sec2
