by What happened on the highway in New York
The driver of a large truck in New York miraculously survived a violent collision with an overpass. The Toyota driver, whose car was later struck by the trailer, was less lucky — he was hospitalized.
Accident details and dashcam footage
The incident occurred around 12:20 p.m. on the southbound lanes of the New York State Thruway in Rockland County. A truck driving behind captured everything on camera: the top of the trailer can be seen slamming into the overpass structure at full speed. The recording shows no braking, no sharp maneuver, or any reaction from the driver indicating he was aware of the danger.
The force of the impact instantly tilted the truck and container, after which it tipped onto its side and began sliding along the road. Ironically, a black Toyota Camry was parked on the shoulder at that very moment, and the trailer plowed into it.
Fine for the truck driver
Police had to completely close traffic for several hours to clear the road. The truck driver, Parnell Harris from South Carolina, was fined for exceeding the maximum legal vehicle height of 13 feet 6 inches. Whether it was done accidentally or intentionally is unknown, but a driver should always know the height of his load.
Injured Toyota driver
According to CBS News, the Camry driver, whose name has not been released, was rushed to the hospital. The extent of his injuries has not been disclosed yet, but the victim is expected to survive.
Condition of the overpass
Despite the powerful impact, the highway administration said the bridge did not sustain serious damage requiring repairs. Three years ago, this same overpass was damaged when a tall truck hit it, and restoration work was carried out at that time.
Main screenshot — CBS News.
What to keep in mind
This incident is another reminder of the importance of monitoring the dimensions of oversized vehicles. Drivers should check their route in advance for low overpasses and always stay attentive on the road. Even a momentary loss of concentration can lead to a serious accident in which other people may be hurt. And cameras installed in nearby vehicles often become crucial evidence for an investigation.
