Idaho troopers call out ‘reckless’ car driver who cut off semi truck, causing hay bale load shift

The Idaho State Police (ISP) is asking motorists to drive with more caution around loaded semi trucks following a recent load spill caused by a “reckless” car driver.

At 9:38 a.m. on July 16, 2025, ISP responded to a reported accident on I-86 at mile marker 44, just east of American Falls.

Troopers say that a 46 year old male was driving a 2004 Peterbilt semi tractor pulling a trailer load of hay bales eastbound on the interstate.

The truck driver slowed for a construction zone, “when he was recklessly cut off by another motorist. To avoid a collision, the driver aggressively engaged the semi brakes which caused the load to shift, and several hay bales fell into the lane of travel,” ISP said.

No injuries were reported.

Eastbound I-86 was fully blocked for about an hour and a half for cleanup of the hay bales.

“Idaho State Police would like to remind motorists that loaded semi-trucks do not have the ability to stop like a typical passenger vehicle or pickup truck. Please follow all posted speed limit signs, especially in construction zones, and increase following distance for everyone’s safety,” troopers said.