IDAHO COUNTY, Idaho — A truck driver reportedly fell asleep behind the wheel and woke up partially submerged in a Feb. 11 accident on U.S. 12 in Idaho County.
Idaho State Police (ISP) said the accident happened approximately 3 a.m. in the westbound lanes of U.S. 12 at milepost 155.5.
ISP said that the 66-year-old driver, a man from Lewiston, Idaho, was driving a 1994 Kenworth for KW Baker. He was hauling garbanzo beans from Missoula, Montana, to Lewiston.
ISP report that the driver fell asleep and drove off the road on the eastbound shoulder. He then traveled down a steep embankment and came to rest on the driver’s side of the vehicle, causing the cab to be partially submerged in the Lochsa River.
The wreck caused around 50 gallons of diesel to spill into the Lochsa River, and the load of garbanzo beans wound up along the bank of the river.
HazMat worked to clean up the diesel spill and the incident was being investigated by the ISP.
The Trucker News Staff produces engaging content for not only TheTrucker.com, but also The Trucker Newspaper, which has been serving the trucking industry for more than 30 years. With a focus on drivers, the Trucker News Staff aims to provide relevant, objective content pertaining to the trucking segment of the transportation industry. The Trucker News Staff is based in Little Rock, Arkansas.
THAT WHY HUMUS IS SO EXPENSIVE …..LOL not the trout are going to grow big next year….lo.l
Why are drivers not checked for health issues when they are 50 and above. It never fails it’s the worst time to be driving between the hours of 3 and 5 in the morning. It’s totally dangerous.
1)Commercial drivers must carry medical clearance cards to drive. These are renewed at least every two years and those drivers with health concerns may be required to renew more frequently. This accident has not been shown to be due to any driver health issue. 2)More likely, it’s a combination of driver fatigue and arrogance/stupidity. I say this as a long haul driver who frequently drives 750+ miles on the night shift. Yes, I get tired, and when I do I find a safe place to pull over and take a nap. I’m not dying for this cargo and an accident has the potential to not only injure another driver, but to also screw up my entire day and I’m simply not up for the hassle and consequences of an accident. There aren’t a lot of $100K driver jobs out here and I’m not going to be foolish enough to piss this one away trying to play super trucker.
3)To all drivers, professional and cagers, when circumstances warrant, stop and rest. Period. Be safe.
u made a ridiculous assumption/statement, I am a 58 year old veteran, I don’t drink, smoke andI DO eat decent, guarantee YOU I can out work out run most of you over weight man bun wearing ENTITLED mommas boys! A medical card is what everyone carries, maybe just some self RESPONSIBILITY is needed in you younger steering wheel holders. Have a safe trip
well said
Sir, I am right there with you! I’m a 63-year-old granny kicking a$$ OTR hauling doubles!
This driver was 66, at 65yrs of age drivers are required to pass a medical exam every year rather than every two.
so which one is it ..age or the time of day…maybe it’s Elogs..maybe he was a new driver…reality is SHIT HAPPENS..when you get some more experience you will figure it out
We need to be honest with ourselves, the D.O.T. health card is a joke and only means you paid the “tax” to get it. That physical card means absolutely nothing about a driver being fit or alert enough to drive. More stringent health standards ALONG with more stringent training standards would eliminate a lot if issues. Lastly let us not forget that Hwy 12 although very beautiful really ain’t no joke when it comes to driving, especially at night…just saying.
That’s BS. just a tax my ass! I get renewed every year because of past health issues, believe me it’s not “just a tax”. The extra hoops I have to jump through to stay on the road working requires I keep things in check health wise. Extra Dr.’s appts, scrutiny of info at the DMV. They can, will override a Dr’s. opinion.
Sleep is top priority for a driver, even if sleeping in separate beds from the wife
I find that, that’s not so difficult when it comes to my safety and the safety of others
Learned way back in the 70s to take a nap if feel ‘sleepy’ even in the day time. Just lately found myself not ‘up to snuff’ and shut it down for a nap in the day time!! parking is easier then too. I have to pass the D.O.T. physical every year and it is more involved than the Medicare physical the government requires of us old ladies every year. It is what keeps me being allowed to drive still. 65 is just a youngster.
somehow you people think the government can fix something COMMON SENSE should..if you’re tired stop driving..they can test you all day long and you come out 100 percent healthy..you can still get tired and fall asleep..sunshine through the windshield can drain you…THE GOVERNMENT CANT FIX EVERYTHING