Truck driver who rear-ended pickup hauling camper was distracted by eating, North Dakota troopers say

The North Dakota Highway Patrol (NDHP) said that driver distraction caused a semi truck vs. pickup collision on I-94 on Monday.

On July 13, 2026, a pickup truck with attached camper trailer experienced mechanical problems and was traveling with hazard lights activated on I-94 west of New Salem.

The pickup and trailer were rear-ended by a semi truck.

No serious injuries were reported.

NDHP investigators determined that the truck driver was “distracted while eating and failed to recognize the slower-moving vehicle ahead.”

The truck driver was issued a citation for distracted driving.

“A moment of distraction is all it takes. Whether you’re behind the wheel of a passenger vehicle or a commercial truck, your attention belongs on the road. Meals, phones, and other distractions can wait. The people sharing the highway with you can’t. Thankfully, no one was seriously injured, but this crash is a reminder that distracted driving comes in many forms. Keep your eyes up, your hands on the wheel, and save the meal for your next stop,” troopers said.