Cumberland County, IL — January 5, 2025, one person was injured in a chain-reaction truck accident at about 1:30 p.m. on eastbound Interstate 70.

Authorities said 38 vehicles were damaged in multiple accidents close to mile marker 124 near Greenup. Most of vehicles involved in the incident were commercial motor vehicles that weigh more than 10,000 pounds, according to the initial investigation.

The crashes reportedly closed the snow-covered highway for more than 12 hours.

One person was injured, but authorities have not released any additional information on the crash.

The incident is still under investigation.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

The chain-reaction crash on Interstate 70 near Greenup, involving 38 vehicles, most of them commercial trucks, highlights how hazardous snow-covered highways can quickly lead to large-scale incidents. Snow not only reduces traction but also affects visibility, increasing the likelihood of collisions, especially in high-traffic areas.

With snow confirmed as a factor, a key focus of the investigation will be whether drivers were traveling at speeds appropriate for the conditions. Snowy roads require reduced speeds and greater following distances to account for longer stopping times and reduced maneuverability. The involvement of so many large commercial vehicles, which already need significant space to stop under normal conditions, underscores the potential consequences of not adjusting driving behavior to the weather.

Another critical question is whether the road was adequately treated for snow and ice. Authorities should evaluate whether this stretch of Interstate 70 had been plowed or salted recently and whether drivers were aware of the road conditions through signage or alerts. Timely road treatment and clear communication to drivers are crucial for preventing pileups in snowy conditions.

The roadway’s design may also have played a role. Was there a curve, incline or other feature that could have exacerbated the effects of snow and reduced traction? Features like these can amplify the challenges of snowy conditions, particularly for heavy vehicles. Investigators should also consider whether the high volume of commercial traffic contributed to the severity of the pileup by limiting escape options for smaller vehicles.

The presence of advanced safety technologies, such as anti-lock brakes and stability control systems, in the commercial trucks involved is another aspect to review. While these systems are designed to improve control, they are not foolproof on snow-covered roads, particularly if drivers are traveling too fast or following too closely. Investigators may also look into the condition of the trucks’ tires and whether they were suitable for winter driving.

The role of communication during the incident also warrants attention. Were drivers alerted to the hazardous conditions or any incidents ahead in a timely manner? Effective warning systems can give drivers the chance to slow down or stop before encountering a crash site, potentially preventing pileups from escalating.

This crash illustrates how snow-covered highways amplify the risks for both passenger and commercial vehicles, especially when drivers fail to adjust their behavior to the conditions. A thorough investigation into road treatment, driver actions and vehicle safety systems will be critical to understanding what went wrong and identifying strategies to reduce the risks of similar large-scale incidents in the future.