Thursday's crash near Declo has investigators on the case. Idaho State Police reported that a driver's action led to a semi-truck plowing through a guardrail and dangling over the Interstate 84 median, with the driver injured. This incident follows a series of similar accidents in the Magic Valley. Just last week, another fatal crash involving a semi-truck occurred, claiming the life of a woman in a passenger car. A week before that, another crash shut down Interstate 84 for 12 hours.

Essential Factors in Semi-Truck Accidents

Commercial Vehicle Specialist Ken Wiesmore with the Idaho State Police highlighted some key factors. "Inattention or distraction combined with speed and poor vehicle maintenance contribute to these accidents," he said. Vehicle maintenance is crucial as a failure can impact the truck's control and stopping ability. Truck drivers also need to be vigilant about their surroundings and blind spots. Motorists should give trucks more space as they often make mistakes around them. "The size of the vehicle makes it difficult for them to see what's around them in their blind spots," Wiesmore explained. Drivers sometimes make unsafe lane changes in front of trucks, causing more problems.Before becoming licensed, truckers undergo training to operate on all types of roads. Brian Layton, Lead Instructor at the Commercial Driver School Twin Falls Campus, said they must pass a skills test including a written test, a proper maintenance check, and demonstrating safe truck operation.The sheer size of a semi-truck is a significant consideration. "Studies by institutions like the National Highway Institute of Safety show that the average stopping distance is about 450 to 500 feet," Layton explained. Depending on the truck's size, cargo load, speed, and the car's brakes, the braking distance can vary.In conclusion, the goal is to ensure safety on the roadway. Wiesmore said they are increasing enforcement and patrols in areas where unsafe drivers need to be identified and cited.