TIOGA, Williams County, N.D., Sept. 22, 2026 — A pickup driver suffered serious, life-threatening injuries on Sunday evening, September 20, when a semi truck struck his vehicle from behind while it was stopped at a red light on US Highway 2 south of Tioga, according to the North Dakota State Patrol.
The crash happened around 7:56 p.m. near mile marker 63 and 105th Avenue Northwest, about three miles south of Tioga, the agency said. A 2025 Peterbilt semi pulling a trailer was traveling eastbound in the right lane when it hit a 2022 Ram 1500 that was stopped at the intersection waiting for the light to change, troopers said.
The Ram's driver, a 48-year-old man from Leesville, Louisiana, was wearing a seat belt and was first taken to Tioga Medical Center. He was later flown to Trinity Hospital in Minot for further treatment, the report said.
The semi's driver, a 25-year-old man from Greybull, Wyoming, was not injured and was also belted at the time of the crash. Road conditions were dry, and the weather was clear at the time, according to the release. No charges have been filed against either driver. The Williams County Sheriff's Office, Tioga Fire Department, and Tioga Ambulance also responded.
The crash remains under investigation by the North Dakota State Patrol.
We wish those injured a full recovery.
Why Rear-End Crashes Happen When Trucks Approach Stopped Traffic
A loaded semi cannot stop the way a car does. Even a well-maintained tractor-trailer needs far more distance to slow down once a driver spots stopped or slowing traffic ahead, and that gap grows on approach to intersections and traffic signals where vehicles can come to a sudden stop.
Truck drivers face a narrow window to react. A moment of distraction, a delayed response to a red light, or simply misjudging how fast a line of stopped vehicles is approaching can turn a routine stretch of highway into a collision scene. Fatigue and long hours behind the wheel can slow that reaction time further, making a driver less likely to notice brake lights in time.
Merging lanes, turning movements, and the sheer weight of a loaded trailer also make large trucks harder to maneuver quickly around a hazard. Unlike a passenger vehicle, a truck cannot swerve or brake sharply without risking a rollover or jackknife, which narrows a driver's options once a stopped vehicle appears ahead. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an estimated 528,177 large trucks were involved in police-reported traffic crashes in 2023.
Frequently Asked Questions
What typically causes large-truck crashes like this one?
Common factors include following too closely, delayed braking, driver fatigue, and the extended stopping distance a loaded semi needs compared to a passenger vehicle.
How can drivers share the road safely with semi trucks?
Give trucks extra space, avoid lingering in blind spots, and expect that a truck needs more room and time to slow down or stop than a car does.
Does fatigue play a role in truck crashes?
Yes. Long hours on the road can slow a driver's reaction time, making it harder to respond quickly to stopped or slowing traffic ahead.
What should I do if I'm involved in a crash with a commercial truck?
Call 911, stay in a safe location if possible, seek medical evaluation even if injuries aren't immediately obvious, and wait for law enforcement to document the scene.
What to Do After a Truck Accident in Tioga, ND
If you're involved in a crash with a semi-truck near Tioga, move to safety if you're able and call 911 right away. Even injuries that seem minor at first can turn out to be more serious, so it's worth getting checked by a medical provider as soon as possible.
Cooperate with responding officers and get a copy of the crash report once it's available. Take photos of the scene if you can do so safely, and note details like weather and road conditions while they're fresh. Reach out to family or someone you trust to help you through the following days, since truck crash injuries can require ongoing care and follow-up.
