CHP tells truckers ‘following distance matters’ after crash that obliterated semi truck cab

Troopers with the California Highway Patrol (CHP) used a recent Truckee-area crash involving semi trucks as a reminder to maintain safe following distance.

On May 18, 2026, CHP’s Truckee Division reported on a rear-end crash involving a pair of semi trucks.

“If you were wondering whether following distance matters… yes. Yes it does,” CHP said.

Troopers said that one semi truck rear-ended a second semi truck, “resulting in a crash that quite literally ripped apart the front cab.”

While the crash resulted in catastrophic damage to the semi truck, the truck driver sustained only minor injuries.

“Call it luck. Call it a miracle. Either way, don’t count on either. Slow down. Leave room. Stay focused. Especially in big rigs because physics doesn’t care if you’re running behind schedule. Stay safe out there…” said CHP.