2 Semis Collide On Interstate 76, Driver Fatigue Blamed
WIGGINS, Colo. (CBS4) - Interstate 76 was closed down for several hours in Morgan County Friday morning after a crash involving two semi trucks and a minivan. Investigators believe the semi driver who caused the crash was tired.
It happened at approximately 3 a.m. west of Wiggins and Fort Morgan.
One truck rolled over and the trailer was split in half as the truck behind it couldn't stop his truck, plowed through it and crashed into the median.
Investigators believe the 47-year-old man driving the freightliner westbound on I-76 was suffering from driver fatigue when he rolled. A minivan traveling eastbound clipped the second semi.
One of the trucks was carrying paint, and the paint that spilled on the highway slowed down the cleanup process.
All three drivers were taken to the hospital. None were described as having life-threatening injuries.
Officials with the Colorado State Patrol are investigating the driver who caused the crash for service hours violations because he had been driving for longer than allowed.
Professional truck driver Daniel Gallegos said driving tired may be happening more in the industry these days.
"You can't take a break without it going against your hours," said Gallegos. "Back in the day you could drive for five hours, take a break and count it toward your hours for the day. Today, you're forced to drive your 11 hours straight with a 30-minute break. So to me, that's a problem."