Driving along I-20, a major highway running through East Texas, is generally considered safe due to its well-designed road features, like protective barriers in the median. However, recent events have shown that human error—especially fatigue—can turn a routine drive into a deadly situation.
Two serious wrecks in just a few days have raised concerns for those traveling on this stretch of the interstate. Here’s a closer look at what happened and how drivers can stay safe on the road.
Recent Serious Incidents on I-20
I-20 runs through much of East Texas, connecting cities like Dallas-Fort Worth and Shreveport, Louisiana. Despite the highway’s design and relatively high speed limits—75 miles per hour in many areas—the danger often comes from the drivers themselves.
When drivers speed, lose focus, or drive while drowsy, even a safe road can become a risk. Two major incidents in just three days have proven this.
The Wreck Near Wills Point
The first incident occurred on Saturday, near Wills Point, and involved a tragic 7-vehicle pile-up. Reports say the cause of the crash was a trucker who fell asleep at the wheel. The trucker’s 18-wheeler smashed into a Ford F-150, killing four of the five people inside.
The incident started when the trucker didn’t notice the vehicles that had stopped on the road due to a previous crash. This situation resulted in a massive pile-up and a devastating loss of life.
Amazon Truck Overturns in Kilgore
The second major incident happened on Monday morning near Kilgore. In this case, an Amazon delivery truck driver fell asleep while driving and crashed into a concrete barrier.
The truck went over the barrier and rolled off the bridge, spilling the truck’s contents along the embankment. Thankfully, no one died in this incident, but the driver was taken to the hospital for an evaluation. While no fatalities occurred here, the damage and potential for harm were significant.
Why These Aren’t Just ‘Accidents’
It’s important to note that these incidents might not have been “accidents” at all. The term “accident” often implies something out of anyone’s control, but these crashes were likely avoidable.
Both incidents involved drivers who were drowsy, and both could have been prevented had the drivers taken simple steps, like pulling off the road to rest before continuing their journey.
In these cases, the loss of life and property damage didn’t come from an inherent flaw in the road or highway design but from the drivers’ choices.
How Drivers Can Stay Safe on I-20
If you’re planning to drive on I-20, it’s important to be aware of the risks and take steps to stay safe. Here are some key tips to keep in mind:
Drive the speed limit: Avoid speeding, especially in areas where the speed limit is set at 75 mph. It’s crucial to respect the speed limit to maintain control of your vehicle.
Pull off the road if you’re feeling sleepy: Drowsy driving is dangerous. If you feel tired, don’t push through it—find a safe spot to pull over and rest.
Use the left lane only to pass: Avoid lingering in the left lane. This helps keep traffic flowing smoothly and reduces the chances of accidents caused by lane changes or driver frustration.
Be courteous: Be respectful of other drivers. Give enough space and allow others to pass safely.
Stay off the cell phone: Distracted driving is another major cause of accidents. Keep your focus on the road and avoid using your phone while driving.