Fiery Rig Crash Believed To Be Caused By Sleeping Driver
Whenever a driver is sleep-deprived, they are more likely to get into an accident than if they had allowed themselves to rest. Most of us understand that to get to our destinations safely; it’s important to be awake and aware. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) advises motorists to get enough sleep before setting out on the road and taking breaks after 1 to 2 hours of driving time is a good way to avoid becoming overtired while on the road.
Earlier this month, an 18 wheeler hauling a luxury boat was traveling eastbound on U.S. Highway 288 when it caught fire. ABC 13 KTRK in Houston reported that earlier this month a fiery crash completely destroyed both the boat and the semi-tractor trailer rig that was hauling it. Authorities now believe that the crash was likely to have been caused by the truck driver falling asleep at the wheel.
The Highway Patrol said that the fire started at approximately 9:00 a.m. on Monday, May 6th on Beltway 8 when the driver struck barrels on the freeway that were placed near an off-ramp. The crash caused the vessel being hauled to catch fire. Eyewitnesses to the incident said that billowing black smoke from the fire could be seen from miles away. Another motorist came close to the truck fire but was uninjured in the incident.
The driver of the 18 wheeler was also uninjured in the accident.
Motorists were detoured for several hours to alternative routes so that crews could clean up and remove debris from the highway.