Drowsy Driving Blamed for Semi Crash That Spilled Corn on I-5

LAKEWOOD, Wash. — Drowsy driving caused a commercial truck carrying corn to crash Thursday morning near Thorne Lane in Pierce County, according to the Washington State Patrol.

This Crash Report is sponsored by CrashLaw.NET, a legal resource for crash victims in Whatcom County.

The truck overturned near the southbound Interstate 5 exit to Thorne Lane and Joint Base Lewis-McChord. Corn spilled across the roadway, forcing crews to close Exit 123 for hours.

“Drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as impaired driving. If you’re feeling tired, pull over somewhere safe and rest before continuing your trip.”

Washington State Patrol

Driver Faces Negligent Driving Citation

No one suffered serious injuries in the crash, according to the State Patrol. However, investigators determined that the commercial vehicle operator had been driving while drowsy.

The driver will receive a citation for second-degree negligent driving.

Photos from the scene showed the truck lying on its side and its load covering much of the exit ramp. State troopers worked around piles of corn while crews prepared for the extensive cleanup.

Fuel and Oil Contaminate Spilled Corn

The Washington State Department of Transportation initially warned drivers that the closure would continue for an extended period. Crews had to remove the truck, replace a damaged impact attenuator and clear the corn from the ramp.

Additionally, the semi leaked fuel and oil after the crash. The contamination meant crews could not salvage the corn, and the entire load had to go to a landfill.

WSDOT reported no major traffic backup during the later stages of the closure. The agency reopened the roadway after completing repairs and removing the spilled load.

CrashLaw.NET Experts Urge Tired Drivers to Stop

Drowsiness can slow reaction time, impair judgment and make it difficult for a driver to remain within a lane. Those effects can create risks similar to driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

“While not a crime like DUI, it’s negligent and careless to drive sleep deprived,” Ziad Youssef, attorney with CrashLaw.NET, said. “Research shows that sleeping for less than 5 hours quadruples your crash risk, while being awake for 24 hours causes impairment equivalent to a 0.10% blood alcohol concentration.”

Youssef recommends pulling into a safe parking area when fatigue begins affecting your ability to drive. Do not rely on an open window, loud music or caffeine to safely overcome severe exhaustion.

If a fatigued driver causes a collision, document the scene when it is safe to do so. Seek medical care, obtain the responding agency’s report number and avoid making statements about fault before speaking with an attorney.

Crash victims can contact attorney Ziad Youssef and the team at Bellingham Injury Law for a free consultation through CrashLaw.NET.

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