It can be hard to imagine a car accident involving over a hundred vehicles, but unfortunately, it happens. While not very common, these stories naturally make the news and are analyzed to try and understand: what happened?
In most cases, weather plays a big role. With poor visibility or icy roads, it can be difficult to stop something that’s been put in motion. Keep reading to learn about large pile ups involving multiple vehicles, including two incidents from Texas and Louisiana, and what can be done to prevent them in the future.
Quick Stats About Multi-Car Pile Ups
A study by Craft Law Firm analyzed multi-car pile ups in the United States and found that there were 138 fatal crashes between 2005 and 2021 that involved at least 10 vehicles. Some key findings about these 10+ vehicle pile ups include:
- Fatal crashes with more than 10 vehicles are over 100 times more likely to result in at least five deaths compared to crashes involving fewer than five vehicles.
- These large-scale fatal pile-ups most commonly occur during the day, particularly during peak commuting hours when traffic is heaviest.
- Adverse weather conditions, which impact visibility or braking, are often present in fatal pile-ups involving 10 or more vehicles (like in the cases below).
- Such crashes have been reported in 38 states, with California and Florida each experiencing 12 of these incidents.
The 100 Car Pile Up in Louisiana
On October 23, 2023, a multi-car pileup on Interstate 55 near New Orleans resulted in seven deaths and 63 injuries, according to Louisiana State Police. The crash involved at least 158 vehicles (some reports say 168) and was caused by “super fog,” a dangerous weather phenomenon where dense fog combines with smoke from nearby marsh fires, drastically reducing visibility.
The accident occurred in the morning when visibility was near zero due to the fog. Interstate 55, along with Interstate 10 and Interstate 310, were closed as emergency crews worked to clear debris and extinguish a fire that broke out at the crash scene.
Super fogs, which can lower visibility to less than 10 feet, are particularly hazardous on highways. The National Weather Service had issued a dense fog advisory for the region, highlighting the increased risk due to ongoing drought conditions and nearby wildfires. Visibility improved by mid-morning, and fog alerts have since been canceled. Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards and state officials have warned of continued dangers from such weather conditions due to persistent extreme drought and elevated fire risks in the state.
A truck driver named Ronald Britt played a role in the crash and was ultimately charged with negligent homicide for one of the deaths. He was driving a large semi-truck and did not slow down his vehicle despite the bad weather. He crashed into a car in front of him, killing a 60-year-old man and injuring his wife.
The 100 Car Pile Up in Texas
On February 11, 2021, a 133-car pileup occurred on Interstate 35W in Fort Worth, Texas, after freezing rain coated the roads. At least six people were killed, and 65 others were hospitalized. The crash spanned half a mile and involved 133 vehicles, including several semitrailers. The collision occurred shortly after 6 a.m. in the southbound TEXPress lanes and involved many healthcare workers commuting during a shift change.
Emergency response included 26 fire department vehicles, 80 police cars, and 13 ambulances. Four police officers were injured, and all were later released from the hospital. A video showed the chaotic scene with vehicles crushed and piled atop one another. The incident shut down all northbound lanes of I-35W, causing significant traffic backups.
Initial rescue operations were completed by 10:30 a.m., but many vehicles remained to be removed, and the scene was turned over to police for investigation and recovery. Analysis revealed that the company responsible for maintaining the highway had failed to properly prepare the road for the icy weather, despite pretreating it with brine. The elevated nature of the highway contributed to the formation of ice, leading to the disaster.
How Can Large Pile Up Accidents Be Prevented?
While nothing can completely take away the risk factors for multi-vehicle accidents, there are things that can be done to reduce the chances of them happening.
Enhanced weather forecasting and timely alerts are crucial in preventing accidents. Early warnings about hazardous conditions, such as icy roads and extreme fog, enable drivers to exercise extra caution and adjust their driving behavior accordingly. Improving road maintenance and infrastructure is also vital. This includes adopting more effective de-icing techniques and installing reflective markers to enhance visibility. There are plenty of other things that may contribute to reducing accidents, including traffic control, driver awareness and training, and emergency response planning. By addressing weather communication, road safety improvements, and beyond, we can significantly reduce the risk of accidents.