Wisconsin Sheriff calls out trucker for poor route selection after crashing into ditch on non-restricted rural road

The Iowa County Sheriff’s Office (ICSO) used a semi truck crash to remind drivers that not all roadways are suitable for commercial vehicles, even if there are no posted restrictions.

“The Iowa County Sheriff’s Office is reminding all motorists, especially commercial motor vehicle operators, that safe driving involves more than simply following posted signs and legal weight limits. Drivers must consider road conditions, roadway design, weather, and whether a route is appropriate for the size and weight of their vehicle,” ICSO said in a social media post detailing a Wednesday morning semi truck crash.

Shortly before 7 a.m. on June 24, 2026, ICSO received word that a towing company was responding to a semi truck crash on Rosy Lane in Ridgeway, Wisconsin.

ICSO and a Wisconsin State Patrol Commercial Motor Vehicle Inspector responded to the scene.

“The investigation revealed that the semi-truck left the roadway and entered the ditch while negotiating a narrow, winding section of Rosy Lane. The driver, from Janesville, stated he was using the road as a shortcut,” said ICSO.

Officers issued citations in connection with the crash.

Police said that speed and overweight violations contributed to the crash.

ICSO used the incident as a reminder for the trucking community about “route selection and safe driving.”

“Although Rosy Lane was not posted with weight restrictions and the vehicle was legally permitted to travel on the roadway, the route was not well-suited for a large commercial vehicle due to its tight curves, narrow roadway, and limited recovery area along the shoulders,” the agency said.

“This crash serves as an important reminder that drivers should never assume a road is suitable simply because it is not posted with restrictions. Rural roads often present unique challenges, including sharp curves, narrow lanes, soft shoulders, limited sight distances, and terrain that may not accommodate large vehicles safely. The Iowa County Sheriff’s Office reminds motorists that just because a road is not posted with restrictions does not mean it is the safest route for a vehicle. Drivers never know what may be around the next corner and should choose routes carefully, adjust their speed to conditions, and operate within the capabilities of both their vehicle and the roadway,” ICSO said.