THP cites 2 big-rig drivers in accident

Two transformers from ERMCO lay in the ditch on Highway 210 after the accident. The transformers were described as half the size of a Volkswagen Beetle. The oil inside the transformers had to be drained before they could be removed from the scene.

The accident happened approximately 1.5 miles from the Highway 412 exit. According to Tennessee Highway Patrol Trooper Doug Roberson, the driver of a tractor-trailer containing corn was stopped in the westbound lane of 210 while Tennessee Department of Transportation workers were grading the shoulder, thus reducing the highway to one lane.

As traffic was stopped, another westbound tractor-trailer carrying large transformers from ERMCO, rear-ended the stationary truck.

One transformer sits atop the trailer of the 18-wheeler that struck a parked tractor-trailer carrying corn. Both rigs lost their loads in the accident and both drivers were cited. The driver of the truck carrying the transformers was cited for following too closely. The driver of the parked vehicle was cited for not having his medical card. He was exempt from having a CDL since he was driving an 18-wheeler for a farming operation.

The truck with the transformers lost its load and the tractor-trailer with the corn was damaged enough for the corn to pour out into the road.

Roberson said the Lauderdale County driver of the transformer truck complained of lower-back pain, but was otherwise OK. The driver of the other truck was not injured in the accident.

The driver of the truck carrying the transformers was cited for following too close and the driver of the truck carrying the corn was cited for not having a DOT medical card.

Roberson pointed out drivers of articulated vehicles, which are vehicles containing a permanent or semi-permanent joint, are not required to have a commercial driver's license if they are engaged in agricultural pursuits, but they must have a medical card.

The law states a person is exempt from having a CDL if the vehicle is controlled and operated by a farmer, a member of the farmer's family or an employee. The vehicle must be used to transport farm products, equipment, supplies or a combination thereof to or from a farm (including nurseries and aquacultures), and must be used only within 150 air miles of the person's farm.

The state workers used their grader to clear the corn from the highway and the commercial sweeper removed the rest of it.

The oil inside of the transformers had to be drained before they could be moved from the ditch.