Crashed Old Yeller

MSinger · May 4, 2008

I had the unfortunate experience of crashing while under load late Thursday night. I had picked up in Greensburg, IN and was headed to Muskogee, OK. I was headed west on I-44 in MO at MM 114. Now I could say I swerved to miss a deer or a 4 wheeler cut me off but the reality is I dozed off and had a meeting with the new median cable system used to prevent cross over head on collisions. Let me tell you that will wake you up in a hurry and do a number on a truck. I was able to regain control and get to the right side of the road to pull off and assess the damage. Thankfully no other vehicles were involved. The front bumper was pushed in almost to the driver's side tire. I could drive straight but if I turned right the tire would rub. I limped it up to the next exit (1/2 mile) and bent bumper back enought so I could turn. Pulled into Conoco gas station and waited on highway patrol. Called dispatch and advised them of situation. They had a D unit in Oak Grove, MO so they sent it down to transfer freight. I had 4 skids that weighed 495# each. The D unit did not have a liftgate and neither one of us wanted to try to manhandle the freight since my truck is not dock high. We found a feed store on the other side of the highway with a forklift. The guy working there graciously assisted us in transferring the freight. I initially thought I may be able to complete the run at daybreak (no headlights) but there was damage to gasoline fill hose area on side of truck. I could fill the tank VERY slowly with use of a funnel with no leaks. However after I filled I went to park for the night I noticed gas tank was leaking. Upon investigation it was found to be coming from top of the tank near where fill hose goes in. I moved truck to level ground and leak stopped. After freight was transferred I limped it on home. Seems to drive fine. Thankfully the only injury I received was when I tried to move the outside rearview mirror assembly back into position I cut my hand on some jagged aluminum.
Right now I feel as though I may not be back out there. With the high cost of fuel and loads being few and far between it's almost not worth doing. I may have to find something else to do on my days off from the fire department. I don't want to make any rash decisions but that's what I am leaning towards at this time.
Here are some pics of the truck.
frontview.jpg - Image - Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
rearview.jpg - Image - Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
sideview.jpg - Image - Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
sideview2.jpg - Image - Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
untitled.jpg - Image - Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting

jaminjim · May 4, 2008

Sorry to hear about the wreck. At least you, nor anyone else got hurt. I'll leave the rest of the comment out, but you know it will be coming.

ATeam · May 4, 2008

Bummer about the wreck. Cudos for your honesty in telling the story. And thank goodness for those cable barriers that kept you and perhaps others from a situation that may have been tragic.

Where such barriers are used, the decline in crossover accidents and fatalities is remarkable. I have read stories about areas where crossover accidents declined from hundreds per year to just a few where the barriers have been erected.

See: All In Favor Of Cable Barriers, Say Aye

pjjjjj · May 4, 2008

Sorry to hear of your misfortune! Does highway patrol lay any charges in a case like this? I'm *ssuming insurance won't be involved? Well I guess you could look at it that you got off very lucky, I guess those things work! Good luck with whatever you decide to do with your free time!

OntarioVanMan · May 4, 2008

Appears Lady Luck was on your side or it wasn't your time to go.
Maybe it's a sign or message or just plain fate. Your already probably punishing yourself about this incident...so nuff said on that.....It's unfortunate this might retire the BIG YELLOW machine...whatever you decide Good Luck and all the best!

Ken and Judy

Packmule · May 4, 2008

MSinger,

Glad you are OK. Ol' Yellow looks repairable if you decide to continue driving.

How fast do you think you were traveling when you hit the cable? I am glad to see that the cable worked as intended and no more damage was done. It could have been a LOT worst!

Good wake up call for all of us!!

piper1 · May 4, 2008

I'm amazed at the damage to the box! Guess those innocent looking cables aren't so innocent when you tangle with them.

You're OK and no one else got hurt, as much as it sucks the rest is just metal and money.

davekc · May 4, 2008

Glad your ok. Looks a little bruised, but certainly fixable.

greg334 · May 4, 2008

Glad your ok.

OntarioVanMan · May 4, 2008

Now that we've all been polite....can we give him a slap for falling asleep at the wheel????

Sorry couldn't resist....

Doggie Daddy · May 4, 2008

OntarioVanMan said:
Now that we've all been polite....can we give him a slap for falling asleep at the wheel????

Sorry couldn't resist....

Yes you may,sounds like he took this load after just coming off of a 24 hr. shift at the fire dept.DD.

pelicn · May 4, 2008

Now that we've all been polite....can we give him a slap for falling asleep at the wheel????

From the tone of the post, I believe he's slapping himself enough.

Glad to hear that it was just metal that was damaged. A good wakeup call for all of us.

wallytrucker1 · May 4, 2008

Everyone who hasn't 'DOZED" raise your hand...come on , let's see some hands...lol ..You kept it upright, freight got delivered, stuff happens,glad your pride was the only thing hurt other than the trk..

dieseldiva · May 4, 2008

wallytrucker1 said:
Everyone who hasn't 'DOZED" raise your hand...come on , let's see some hands...lol ..You kept it upright, freight got delivered, stuff happens,glad your pride was the only thing hurt other than the trk..

True enough and isn't that the darndest feeling, knowing you HAVE to drive and feeling like you're not up to it.

Now that I think about it, a lot of folks struggle to keep it between the lines when they're NOT dozing!!

iceroadtrucker · May 4, 2008

I am glad you had an angel with you. There are those that would say thats a farce. I for one Believe in them I have em with with me always. As Luck has nothing to do with it. (Happy Now)
Now to the Person whom asked about Dozing off. NEVER If I Ever do
My Father who is 77 would beat me till Id be no more. Enough said on that and Old Yeller Youll run again and the angels will always be with you.
God Bless

dieseldiva · May 4, 2008

iceroadtrucker said:
I am glad you had an angel with you. Most on here would say thats a farce.

I think you're selling the membership here short. I know of no one here that has argued against the existence of angels. Maybe you meant to say 'most in this world'.

Moot · May 4, 2008

Great to hear you are okay and that Ol' Yeller isn't to bad off! I'm sure you realize how fortunate you were to fall asleep on a stretch of highway that had a shallow clean median and crash cables. Thanks for telling your story.

Jefferson3000 · May 4, 2008

Ok. Tell the truth. Was the cruise control on?

ATeam · May 4, 2008

dieseldiva said:
I think you're selling the membership here short. I know of no one here that has argued against the existence of angels. Maybe you meant to say 'most in this world'.

I like to think this forum is open to people of all faiths and belief systems. There are those who would suggest God was with you in an accident. Others would suggest God was punishing you in an accident. Still others would suggest there is no God, or that that God exists but is on vacation someplace. And others would say that the God you speak of is the wrong God and their God is the right God.

As far as I am concerned, each can haul freight and serve customers equally well, and all are welcome.

Still, all of us should remember and keep a special place in our hearts for Saint Expedite.