Car hits detached trailer on U.S. 131, spilling tar across roadway
A detached tar truck blocking the one open lane on U.S. 131 was hit by two cars on Friday, spilling liquid tar across the highway.
Michigan State Police Cadillac Post troopers responded at about 9:40 p.m. Aug. 28 north of the Cadillac rest area in Clam Lake Township. Their preliminary investigation found that an unknown vehicle failed to secure a liquid tar construction trailer, which detached and remained in the travel lane.
A vehicle driven by a 50-year-old California man hit the trailer. A second vehicle driven by a 25-year-old Oscoda man also hit the trailer, then collided with the first vehicle.
Troopers said the trailer had an illegal Texas license plate. Its vehicle identification number was obstructed and damaged.
The roadway had been restricted to one lane because of ongoing construction. The crash significantly damaged the newly constructed highway and closed it for several hours.
“Leaving a piece of equipment in the travel lane of a roadway poses a serious risk to motorists,” Lt. Ashley Miller said. “It was left in the only lane open in a construction zone, and during the hours of darkness. We are thankful there were no injuries or fatalities.”
The investigation remains open. Troopers asked anyone who can identify the vehicle that was hauling the trailer to call the Cadillac Post at 231-779-6040.
The Michigan Department of Transportation, Wexford County Road Commission, Cadillac City Fire Department and Mobile Medical Response assisted at the scene.
Michigan trailer connection rules after a crash
Michigan’s vehicle code has requirements for how trailers are connected in MCL 257.721. A vehicle or trailer towed by another vehicle must use coupling devices that limit side-to-side deviation to 3 inches on a level, smooth and paved surface. The law also requires suitable safety chains or devices on each side of the coupling, with each connection strong enough to haul the loaded trailer.
Identifying the towing vehicle can be critical when a trailer detaches. Ownership records, dashcam footage, witness accounts, construction records and equipment markings may help show who controlled the trailer and how it was attached. Michigan Legal Center’s guide to crashes involving falling cargo and road debris explains why vehicle identifiers, video and loading records can matter when an object is left in traffic.
Get help from Michigan Legal Center
Michigan Legal Center: the Law Offices of Christopher J. Trainor & Associates reviews motor vehicle and serious injury matters involving detached trailers and road hazards.
People injured in this type of crash can Contact Michigan Legal Center to ask whether the matter is within Michigan Legal Center’s practice areas.
There is no attorney fee unless money is recovered for you. Case costs and fee terms are governed by the written fee agreement.