Your claims professionals are warning of a troubling increase in crashes where vehicles collide with the rear-end of a commercial truck. Over the past three quarters, these types of crashes have surged, often stemming from poor decision-making or failure to follow safety protocols.
We’re sharing these incidents not just to inform—but to help you prevent similar outcomes through better awareness and training. The following incidents show how small decisions can lead to major consequences, and how proper training can make the difference.
Recently, one of American Highway Carriers Association’s members experienced a serious incident. A driver noticed an issue with the pressure in the brake chamber while on the road. The driver chose to immediately address the issue. However, instead of pulling fully off the road, the driver stopped partially in the driving lane using his hazard lights—he did not deploy external warning devices.
As vehicles attempted to maneuver around the rig, a pickup truck collided with the rear of the trailer. There was a single occupant in the pickup who sustained severe injuries. The claimant ultimately retained counsel and made a claim
against the member for policy limits. Through investigation it was determined that the driver was aware the truck was having issues yet continued to haul loads. Additionally, police body cam revealed that the truck driver could have
reasonably pulled further to the side potentially avoiding this loss altogether.
Regulatory Reminder:
FMCSA 49 CFR 393.95 – Requires all commercial vehicles to carry reflective triangles or flares.
FMCSA 49 CFR 392.22 – Requires placement of warning devices within 10 minutes.
Unfortunately, this isn’t an isolated case. Another instance of rear-end crashes
involves pulling off to the side of the highway for a non-emergency reason (rest). Most states have laws that prohibit stopping on the shoulder of the highway, except in specific circumstances such as vehicle breakdowns or emergencies. In
this case an AHCA member pulled off the highway at night to get some rest. While parked at the side of the highway with the lights on, an impaired driver veered and slammed into the back of our member’s rig. Despite the other driver’s
impairment, an at-fault determination was made against the truck driver citing California vehicle Code 21718.
These real-world examples while unfortunate, aren’t just claims—they’re teachable moments. Each one highlights a poor decision and a chance to improve safety practices. Let’s work together to reduce crashes and protect lives on
the road. Whenever you must stop unexpectedly use extra caution.
Safety Tips: How to Stay Safe When Stopping Unexpectedly
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- Move as far off the roadway as possible
- Do not delay, call dispatch/emergency services as needed
- Avoid stopping near curves, hills, or intersections
- Wear a high-visibility vest
- Do not stand in back of the parked vehicle
- Ensure the scene is safe for yourself and others
- Deploy warning devices promptly
- Plan your trip and use designated rest areas whenever possible
- Train drivers on target fixation and how to avoid becoming a hazard (see Moth Effect –Virginia Tech)
- Conduct pre- and post-trip inspections and correct issues as required in 49 CFR 396.11 Safety starts with awareness—and continues with action. Share this bulletin with your team, review your roadside procedures, and make safety a daily habit.