Large commercial trucks are a constant presence on Dallas highways, transporting goods that keep the city and surrounding North Texas region running. While the vast majority of truck drivers operate their vehicles safely, the sheer size and weight of these machines mean that when accidents happen, the consequences can be devastating. Understanding the common types of truck accidents and their underlying causes is especially important for everyone sharing the busy roads and interstates across Dallas.
This post will explore the most frequent scenarios involving large trucks in Dallas and break down key factors that contribute to these incidents, including truck accident types like jackknifes and rollovers, as well as root causes such as driver fatigue and mechanical failure unique to navigating major routes like I-35, I-20, and the Dallas Mixmaster.
Common Types of Truck Accidents
Not all truck accidents are the same. The dynamics of a collision involving an 80,000-pound vehicle are unique and frequently seen on major Dallas freeways and urban corridors. Here are some of the most common types of truck accidents faced by Dallas drivers.
Jackknife Accidents
A jackknife accident is a frightening scenario where the trailer of a semi-truck swings out to the side, forming a 90-degree angle with the cab. This movement resembles a folding pocketknife, hence the name. When a truck jackknifes, the driver loses all control, and the trailer can sweep across multiple lanes of traffic, creating a dangerous obstacle for other vehicles.
Dallas often sees jackknife accidents during periods of rain or icy weather, particularly on busy interstates like I-635 or during traffic slowdowns. Sudden, hard braking, especially on slick Texas roads, or taking curves too quickly—such as on entrance and exit ramps—can trigger a jackknife.
Under-Ride Collisions
An under-ride collision is one of the most serious types of truck accidents. It happens when a smaller passenger car slides underneath the side or rear of a semi-trailer. Because the bottom of the trailer is higher than the hood of most cars, a collision can bypass the car’s primary safety features like bumpers and crumple zones. The top of the passenger vehicle often collides with the trailer, leading to catastrophic damage and severe or fatal injuries.
These tragic collisions can occur during sudden traffic stops on Dallas highways, especially at night if visibility is poor. Lack of reflective tape or defective rear impact (underride) guards on trucks traveling through Dallas’ dense traffic can increase the likelihood and severity of such accidents.
Rollovers
Due to their high center of gravity, large trucks are more susceptible to rolling over than smaller vehicles. A rollover accident occurs when the truck tips onto its side or roof. These incidents can be caused by factors common in Dallas, such as taking a turn or on-ramp too quickly or navigating sharp curves on roads like the Dallas North Tollway.
Improperly loaded cargo, which sometimes occurs during fast turnarounds at Dallas distribution hubs, or strong Texas crosswinds, can destabilize trucks and make rollovers more likely. Sudden maneuvers to avoid erratic traffic, debris, or “tripping” on uneven shoulders also contribute to rollover risks in the Dallas area.
Tire Blowouts
The tires on a commercial truck are under immense pressure and strain. A sudden tire failure, or blowout, can cause the driver to instantly lose control. A front-tire blowout is particularly dangerous, as it can pull the entire rig sharply to one side. A blowout on a trailer tire can cause it to swerve unpredictably.
Dallas’ hot summers, heavy urban traffic, and ongoing road construction (with debris and potholes) increase the risk of tire blowouts for trucks traveling local interstates and service roads. Poor tire maintenance or overloading—sometimes seen due to tight schedules serving Dallas businesses—are leading culprits.
Rear-End Crashes
Just like with passenger cars, rear-end collisions are common. However, the outcome is much different when a large truck is involved. A fully loaded semi-truck can take up to 40% longer to stop than a car. Dallas’ dense highway traffic and frequent congestion can make sudden stops unpredictable. If a truck driver is tailgating or not paying attention, they may not have enough time to brake to avoid hitting a vehicle in front of them. The immense force of the truck can crush a smaller car.
Conversely, when a passenger vehicle rear-ends a truck (frequent during sudden slowdowns on highways like I-30 or I-75), the risk of under-ride is heightened because of the size difference and rigid rear structure of many trailers.
Primary Causes of Truck Accidents in Dallas
While each accident has its own set of circumstances, most can be traced back to a handful of core causes, many of which are intensified by the unique challenges of Dallas’ fast-paced highways and expanding logistics infrastructure.
Driver Fatigue
Truck drivers often work long hours to meet tight delivery schedules, especially in a major logistics hub like Dallas. Federal Hours of Service regulations limit how long drivers can be behind the wheel, but pressure from employers or a desire to maximize deliveries across the DFW metroplex can lead to drivers pushing these limits. Fatigued driving is a significant factor in many Dallas truck accidents, resulting in slower reactions and dangerous lapses in judgment.
Speeding
Excessive speed is a factor in countless truck accidents throughout Dallas. Trucks require a much longer distance to stop than cars, and high speeds make them harder to control. On highways like I-35E or the George Bush Turnpike, even slight speeding can exacerbate the risk of losing control during unexpected congestion, sharp curves, or adverse weather. Local law enforcement frequently cites speed as a top contributor to serious truck crashes in North Texas.
Improper Loading
Cargo loaded at Dallas-area warehouses or distribution centers must be properly balanced and secured. Uneven, shifting, or overweight cargo can destabilize a truck, making rollovers and loss of control much more likely—especially when navigating the sharp turns or sudden stops characteristic of Dallas surface streets and service roads.
Mechanical Failures
Commercial trucks require ongoing maintenance checks, given the heavy use they experience traversing Dallas roads. Mechanical failures—like worn-out brakes or faulty tires—pose a significant risk in daily city and highway traffic. Brake failure, in particular, is a known hazard when trucks descend highway overpasses or need to stop quickly in heavy Dallas traffic. Failures often trace back to skipped inspections or rapid wear-and-tear, both common with Texas’s high commercial truck volume.
Driver Error
Simple human error continues to be a leading cause of accidents across Dallas. For truck drivers, distracted driving—such as using a cell phone, inputting a GPS address, or adjusting the radio—is a concern. Aggressive driving behavior, lack of experience navigating multi-lane Dallas highways, and not yielding to merging traffic on busy on-ramps also contribute to accidents in the area’s complex road network.
Conclusion
Understanding how and why truck accidents happen in Dallas, TX, can help drivers and trucking companies alike take steps towards prevention. By being aware of local traffic conditions, the demands of major transport corridors, and the risks posed by fatigue, speeding, improper loading, and mechanical failures, everyone can contribute to safer North Texas roads. Whether you’re commuting on the LBJ Freeway or delivering goods across the region, staying alert and respecting the limitations of large trucks are crucial steps to preventing accidents and ensuring safer travel for all Dallas motorists.
