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Marion County, FL (May 5, 2026) – A crash involving two tractor-trailers early on Tuesday morning left one driver injured and caused major traffic delays on Interstate 75 northbound.
The collision occurred around 3:15 a.m. on May 5 near mile marker 305, according to officials. A tractor-trailer driven by a 45-year-old woman from Jacksonville became disabled in the center lane and came to a stop in the roadway.
Moments later, a second tractor-trailer driven by a 51-year-old man from Minnesota approached the scene. Despite attempts to avoid the stopped vehicle, the second truck struck the rear of the disabled trailer.
The Jacksonville driver suffered minor injuries and was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment, while the second driver was not hurt.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details may be released as they become available.
We are thinking of those injured as they recover.
Why Stopped Vehicles on High-Speed Highways Can Lead to Serious Crashes
When a large vehicle becomes disabled on a highway, it can create an immediate hazard for approaching traffic. High-speed roadways like interstates allow limited time for drivers to react, and a disabled tractor-trailer is especially difficult to avoid because its size can span an entire lane or more. The weight and momentum of a commercial truck mean that even a partial lane blockage can force other vehicles into adjacent lanes or off the roadway entirely.
Stopping distances also play a role. Tractor-trailers require significantly more distance to slow down than passenger vehicles, and when lane congestion or limited space reduces escape options, a collision can happen before a driver is able to fully respond. Early morning hours add another layer of risk, as reduced lighting makes it harder to recognize a stopped vehicle until it is very close, and driver fatigue during overnight hours can further delay reaction time.
Even when hazard lights or reflective equipment are in place, the risk of secondary collisions remains. Drivers slowing to navigate the scene or debris spread across the roadway can create additional hazards for traffic approaching from behind. Emergency responders arriving at the scene must work near live lanes, which keeps the area dangerous until the roadway is fully cleared.
