18-wheeler truck crashes in Raleigh-Durham take many forms, each with devastating consequences. Rollover crashes frequently occur on highways like I-40 and I-85, where speeding, sharp curves, or improperly loaded cargo can cause trucks to overturn, blocking multiple lanes of traffic. Jackknife crashes, often caused by sudden braking or slick road conditions, result in the trailer swinging uncontrollably into other lanes, endangering nearby vehicles.

Rear-end collisions are another common type of crash, particularly during rush hour or in congested areas like downtown Durham or near Research Triangle Park. Due to the size and weight of 18-wheelers, these crashes often result in severe injuries or fatalities. Right-turn crashes are frequent in urban settings, where truck drivers miscalculate their turning radius, leading to collisions with nearby vehicles, cyclists, or pedestrians. Underride crashes, where smaller vehicles slide beneath an 18-wheeler, are among the most fatal types of collisions. Despite federal requirements for underride guards, poor maintenance often renders them ineffective.

Raleigh-Durham faces challenges like Charlotte, another fast-growing metropolitan area with significant 18-wheeler truck traffic. Both cities have busy highways, and densely populated urban centers that see frequent crashes caused by distracted driving, mechanical failures, and sharp turns at congested intersections.