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I-285 Pothole Crash: How a Tractor-Trailer’s Loss of Control Led to a Catastrophic Multi-Vehicle Collision in Columbus, Columbus County, Texas How a Pothole Can Cause a Deadly Truck Crash Potholes are more than just a nuisance—they can be deadly, especially for large commercial vehicles. When an 18-wheeler hits a pothole at highway speeds, the consequences can be devastating: 1. Loss of Control A pothole can cause a truck’s steering or suspension system to fail, leading to sudden swerving. If the driver overcorrects, the trailer can jackknife, swinging out of control and blocking multiple lanes. In this case, the driver’s attempt to re-enter the interstate after hitting the pothole suggests momentary loss of vehicle stability. 2. Tire and Wheel Damage Potholes can blow out tires or damage rims, leading to sudden loss of control. A tire blowout at highway speeds can cause the driver to lose steering control, especially if it occurs on a front (steer) tire. Even if the tire doesn’t fail immediately, hidden damage can lead to a delayed blowout miles later. 3. Cargo Shift and Instability If cargo is improperly secured, a sudden jolt from a pothole can cause it to shift, destabilizing the trailer. Liquid cargo (like fuel or chemicals) can slosh violently, making the truck harder to control. In this crash, the truck hit a concrete barrier, suggesting the driver may have struggled to regain control after the initial impact. 4. Driver Fatigue and Distraction Truck drivers often drive for long hours under tight deadlines. Fatigue…