Truck Fire on Interstate 40
Cumberland County, TN (August 5, 2020) A truck fire occurred on August 5th on Interstate 40 in Cumberland County and shut down westbound traffic to one lane for several hours. Law enforcement reports that a freightliner was traveling west at the 311 mile marker when the tractor trailer caught on fire. The vehicle came to a controlled stop on the right shoulder of the road when the driver disengaged the semi-trailer’s power unit. The fire originated from the fourth and fifth axle of the truck’s trailer. The driver and a passenger both escaped injuries.
The U.S. Fire Administration reports that between 2014 to 2016, an estimated 171,500 highway vehicle fires happened in the United States resulting in 345 deaths and 1,300 injuries. Fortunately, there are some safety strategies that truck drivers can follow to greatly reduce the risk of these fires.
How to Reduce the Risk of Truck Fires
Some of the critical steps that drivers can follow to reduce the risk of truck fires include:
- Be cautious when smoking in or around the truck
- Examine for blown wheel seals
- Look for the accumulation of grease and oil on the truck’s axles and wheels
- Routinely inspect the truck’s brakes and wheels
- If you notice any electrical problems, make sure to immediately resolve or report them
Speak with an Experienced Knoxville Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one is injured in a collision with a truck, you should not hesitate to speak with a knowledgeable attorney. Contact Fox, Farley, Willis & Burnette today for assistance.
Note: This post was written based on available resources, news stories, and online reports about this incident. As is often the case with fast breaking news, there is always the risk that some details are still being shared and uncovered. Please contact us if you notice any information that should be changed or added. Thanks!
