Semi Trucks Trap Horse Trailer on New Jersey Turnpike

The driver of a pickup truck towing a horse trailer was trapped for more than two hours on the New Jersey Turnpike when his pickup track became sandwiched between two tractor-trailers.

The driver was eventually freed and taken to Capital Health Regional Center by helicopter in critical condition. The donkey and three horses he was towing were examined by a veterinarian and found to be unhurt.

The pickup was traveling southbound on the Turnpike when it was rear-ended by the first tractor-trailer. The impact forced it into the back of a second semi.

Fire companies and rescue teams from Bordentown Township, Hightstown, Robbinsville, and Trenton were involved in the rescue, which required the use of two large cranes.

The article is at: http://www.nj.com/mercer/index.ssf/2012/02/nj_turnpike_crash_involving_pi.html

Accidents involving large tractor-trailer trucks are often due to issues involving the trucks’ blind spots.

Large trucks have more blind spots than cars. In addition to the rear quarter blind spots that cars have, trucks have two additional ones: directly behind the truck, and directly in front of the truck, as shown in the diagram below.

Many drivers aren’t aware of the “no-zone” directly in front of a large truck. The below video shows what can happen if a car changes lanes too close in front of a truck.

Truck accidents can be caused by a wide variety of other factors, including truck driver fatigue, truck drivers texting or talking on cell phones while in motion, truck drivers operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs, overloaded trucks, and defects in the truck or tires. Of course, accidents involving trucks can also be caused by careless driving by other vehicles, including failing to be aware of a truck’s blind spots. If you or a family member were injured in a truck accident, contact a Hackensack truck accident lawyer at the Law Offices of Jeffrey S. Hasson, P.C.