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Two-semi crash closes interstate

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By the Lincoln Journal Star

Tuesday, Feb 05, 2008 - 08:19:57 pm CST

A crash involving multiple semitrailers and a third vehicle on Interstate 80 Tuesday afternoon led to the interstate being closed near Waverly, according to the Nebraska Department of Roads.

As tow crews gathered around the wreckage Tuesday afternoon, Nebraska State Patrol Troopers were directing traffic off of I-80 East and onto U.S. Highway 6.

Sgt. Tim Salmen with the Nebraska State Patrol said  that around 2:20 p.m. the westbound semi, a 2007 International, lost control, crossed the median and hit a semi, a 2001 International, driving eastbound on I-80. The interstate reopened around 5:30 p.m.

Story Photo
Authorities look over a tractor-trailer cab that was torn from its frame as they investigate an accident on Interstate 80 just east of the Waverly exchange Tuesday. (Eric Gregory)

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At the scene of a Two-semi crash

A crash between two semitrailers and at least one car on Interstate 80 on Tuesday afternoon led to the interstate being closed near Waverly. Read the ...

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Both semi drivers were transported to BryanLGH Medical Center West with what were believed to be non-life-threatening injuries.

Mike Nicholas, the driver of  one of the trucks, suffered several broken ribs during the accident, his son-in-law Terry Hogan said.

Nicholas lives in Canal Fulton, Ohio, and was carrying truck bed tops, Hogan said.

Parts of Nicholas’ truck were strewn across both lanes of eastbound I-80.

The second truck spilled its contents — hybrid corn seed — over the snow-covered roadside just past the Waverly exit. A third vehicle, a van, was marked with crime scene tape but appeared to have escaped major collision damage.


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Mark S wrote on February 5, 2008 4:30 pm:
" What is with the area near the Waverly exchange? Seems like there are lots of accidents there. "

 schneider wrote on February 5, 2008 5:21 pm:
" you are right. that is a particularly dangerous stretch of highway. that is why they recently lowered the speed limit there from 75 to 65. from what i understand, they are also going to rework the arc of the curve when they widen it to six lanes, so it is a little more gentle. "

 Yikes wrote on February 5, 2008 5:27 pm:
" Yet another accident at the Waverly exit... folks, please remember to be more cautious there, especially in these conditions. That's a bad area for accidents even when the roads AREN'T bad. It isn't worth risking your life or someone else's to get where you're going a few minutes faster. "

 Laurie wrote on February 5, 2008 5:47 pm:
" Mark, I don't know for sure but my best guess is that because it is a very popular exchange (I think EVERYONE in East Lincoln uses this one), there are a lot of sudden speed changes and lane changes to accomodate everyone's intentions. The interstate also curves there, making these changes even more hazardous. It's a sad fact that westbound, people are usually racing to beat the trucks and each other to the exit. Eastbound, depending on the time of day, there is often a long line of cars wanting to merge with I-80 traffic. It only takes a small zig instead of a zag to upset the flow- especially on snowy days. I saw the aftermath on the way home from Omaha. It looked bad- I hope the drivers will be okay. "

 Lisa H wrote on February 5, 2008 6:46 pm:
" I am just thanking God this evening that the people involved are still here with us. That is a dangerous stretch of road but, all roadways can be dangerous if you aren't paying attention to the other drivers and the weather conditions...Please drive cautiously out there so you make it home alive. "

 Lemmings wrote on February 5, 2008 7:38 pm:
" Following too close. "

 Bob wrote on February 5, 2008 7:48 pm:
" These semis drive way too aggressively. There is no way they can stop in time - even in good weather. But, that doesn't bother them. I heard one of them at a road stop say "the cars better get out of my way." This seems to be the prevailing attitude. At least this time, no cars were involved. "

 Theresa wrote on February 5, 2008 7:55 pm:
" How many more accidents do we need to pay for before they fix that stretch of road? I'm very glad everyone is going to be okay! "

 Big Chief wrote on February 5, 2008 9:14 pm:
" Gusty winds
slick spots
poor visibility
too fast for conditions
following too close
drivers using poor judgement
CHECK ALL THAT APPLY "

 FEAR!!!! wrote on February 6, 2008 8:07 am:
" Reading these comments I can see that all of you people live in a complete state of FEAR. If you really think its that dangerous to drive on the roads, then you shouldn't have a car in the first place. "

 To Bob wrote on February 6, 2008 9:02 am:
" You are right on one point: semi-trucks take nearly twice as long and need twice the distance to stop as cars do. That's why you are supposed to be able to see both headlights in your rearview mirror before pulling in front of them. Not that this was the cause of this particular accident. Please don't generalize and assume that all truckers drive agressively. Again, probably not the cause of this accident. Most of the truck drivers I know take safety and sharing the roads with cars seriously. "

 RE: Fear wrote on February 6, 2008 12:34 pm:
" I don't think it's so much a question of being afraid to drive as a question of respecting the fact that you're not invincible behind the wheel of a car. Don't you suppose we wouldn't have had so many accidents in the city, and at least 2 at the Waverly interchange, in the last couple of days if that was the prevailing attitude instead of the usual "go go go, me me me?" "

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