71 WRECK PICTURES UP CLOSE

Landon Marino, a neighbor on Paraiso, was next to the truck as it wrecked, and he sent these pictures. Thanks, Landon. These are frightening.

4:05 p.m. — Collision Hwy 71 West in Bee Caves, One Critical Injury

Austin- Travis County EMS is on the scene of a multiple vehicle collision with Oak Hill Fire Department, TCSO and DPS — Hwy 71 West / Spanish Oaks Club Drive. Cell Phone callers reported the incident at 3:10 p.m.

Updates from the scene indicate an 18-wheeler has collided with as many as ten other vehicles, pushing one vehicle from the roadway and into a ditch.

Eight person have been evaluated for injuries. Medic 9 has transported one patient with potentially critical injuries to Brackenridge Hospital. Three other crash victims are also being transported to Brackenridge Hospital, including one 2-year old patient. Their injuries do not appear to be life-threatening.

TXDOT indicates traffic is stopped in both directions.

— From Austin Travis County EMS




Our issues about a traffic light, in this case, wouldn't have mattered as the truck lost its brakes.




If you have a teen about to drive, you might wish to show them these. And remind them that if ever they think they can 'beat' an oncoming car, if their engine misses or hesitates (quite possible with bad gas, by the way), they won't make it. Better safe than sorry. I know you know, but let's all be extra careful!

Below is Eye Opening research from Malcolm Pigform who points out many of the truckers are paid by the load - hence the need for speed, AND that they are likely flooring it to make it up the (next) hill.

Stopping Distances Required for Trucks

Speed
Reaction/Braking Distance/ Total Stopping Distance

30 mph
33' / 67'/ 100'

40 mph
44' / 125'/ 169'

55 mph
60' / 275'/ 335'

60 mph
66' / 360'/ 426'

65 mph
71' / 454'/ 525'


* Above estimates are for 80,000 lb., loaded tractor-trailers traveling on a dry, level road. Source: National Safety Council's Defensive Driving Course for Professional Truck Drivers.

Stopping Distances for Cars Versus Trucks
1: Speed Reaction/Braking Distance Cars
2: Reaction/Braking Distance Trucks
3: Stopping Distance Cars /Stopping Distance Trucks

...................1...................2.......................3
40 mph 44' / 80'.........44' / 125'..........124' / 169'
55 mph 60' / 165'....... 60' / 275'..........225' / 335'
65 mph 71' / 245'....... 71' / 454'..........316' / 525'

* Above estimates are for 80,000 lb., loaded tractor-trailers and mid-size passenger cars traveling on a dry, level road. Source: National Safety Council's Defensive Driving Course for Professional Truck Drivers.

This might not reproduce very clearly here becuase I can't copy tables, so here's the link