--- title: "This Is Why You Don’t Cut Off a Semi-Truck" description: "After a semi-truck carrying massive concrete poles was cut off and had to stop short, the poles tore through the cab." date: "2023-04-23" modified: "2023-04-23" authors: - name: "Nico DeMattia" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/nico-demattia" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/this-is-why-you-dont-cut-off-a-semi-truck" categories: - "News" --- # This Is Why You Don’t Cut Off a Semi-Truck ![]() *via WKYC YouTube* At least one Tampa, Florida driver never saw *Final Destination 2* and thought it was fine to cut off a [semi-truck]() carrying massive concrete poles on Friday, April 21. The careless maneuver caused the truck driver to slam on the brakes, causing two of the concrete poles to break free from their restraints and plow through the truck's cab on to the highway ahead. Thankfully, no one was injured. According to Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) Tampa, the semi-truck was on Interstate 275 headed south. The driver of a second vehicle was ahead, parked on the southbound outside shoulder. As the second car's driver tried to merge back onto the highway, they started out on the shoulder but reportedly cut off the semi-truck, which is what caused the subsequent mayhem. https://twitter.com/FHPTampa/status/1649494336978014240 The semi-truck was carrying six metal/concrete poles and thankfully only two broke lose from their tie-downs, otherwise there would have been far more damage. Each pole weighs 5,467 lbs, or roughly the same as an entry-level[ Chevy Tahoe.]() It's almost unbelievable that the driver wasn't hit by either of the poles as they tore through the windshield. Thankfully, the driver is said to be doing OK. Two lanes of I-275 had to be shut down temporarily as two trucks with a crane arms picked the concrete poles up and slid them back through the windshield, onto the trailer. Since there wasn't any damage to any other vehicle, cleanup was relatively simple. The police report claims there were around 85 feet of skid marks, which means that semi took a long time to stop, while carrying an immensely [heavy and dangerous load.]() The other driver likely just kept on driving as the semi-truck slammed on its brakes, as there's no word on the other car or driver. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Wc6iBgmnNU *Got tips? Send 'em to tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Nico is a writer and reviewer from New Jersey who probably thinks he’s a lot funnier than he actually is. His love of cars began when he was just a kid playing Gran Turismo 3, grinding out enough race wins with a Mazda Miata to save up for an in-game RUF 911. That passion for small, lightweight sports cars drove his desire to learn more about the industry, get his hands on as many cars as he could, and bring those experiences to life on the page. He cut his teeth writing about BMWs, Volkswagens, and Audis, mostly, and has owned far too many of each. He’s on his fourth 3 Series sedan, but all of his old, cheap German cars have forced him to learn more about car maintenance than his mechanical capability can handle. Too many late nights have been spent scrambling to get a car running by morning so he could get to work. For some reason, he never seems to learn that old Bimmers probably aren’t the best daily drivers. But he loves more than just old German cars. He’ll gladly drive and discuss anything with four (or even three) wheels. Cars aren’t his only passions, though. Nico is also a big nerd and loves movies, video games, comic books, and cares far too much about the New York Giants. So don’t be surprised if you see football references or dumb, obscure movie quotes in any of his car reviews. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()