Video Captures Terrified Motorist Dragged Along Highway By Oblivious Rig Driver

by Jana Ritter - Published: 4/21/2017

A viral video has captured attention for showing just how unaware a big rig driver can be even in the  most obvious collision with a motorist. In fact, this particular driver was not only unaware that he struck a passenger vehicle, he also had no idea the car was stuck under his trailer and being dragged along the freeway with the terrified motorist still inside.

                                                                

The bizarre incident occurred on Interstate 15 along the Cajon Pass in San Bernardino County, CA.  According to the CHP, a big rig hauling two trailers containing 50,000 pounds of carrots was heading northbound and came upon a slower-moving truck. The rig moved left into the No. 4 lane in order to pass the slower truck and struck a passing Nissan Maxima. The Nissan, driven by 34-year-old Javier Diaz Jr., became lodged under the truck and was dragged along the freeway for nearly a mile.

Meanwhile, motorist Brian Steimke was watching the incredulous scene play out and began recording it on his cell phone. In the video, Steimke drives up beside the badly damaged and smoking Nissan being dragged on its rear. The windshield is shattered, the hood crumpled, the airbag deployed and the tires are flapping on the pavement. The driver waves at Steimke for help and shouts, “He’s not stopping!” Despite several other motorists honking to get the truck driver’s attention, he remains oblivious to the high stake situation attached to his rig. Finally, a motorist pulled in front of the rig and got him to stop.

WATCH VIDEO BELOW:                                                                 

Steimke continued recording as he pulled over to confront the truck driver.

“ Why were you driving so far?”

“So far?”

“Dude, the guy was on the end of your car.”

“I didn’t know.”

“What do you mean you didn’t know it, dude? He’s on your truck. You need to get out of your truck, right now. He’s literally on your truck.”

The truck driver did get out of the truck and waited for CHP officers to arrive. After examining the rig, officers said it did not appear to have any mechanical issues and the truck driver did not seem to be impaired. “The truck driver claimed not to have any idea the collision had occurred,” the CHP said. They also confirmed neither driver was hospitalized and the truck driver is not being charged.

As for Javier Diaz Jr., he’s just thankful he survived the ordeal and was able to go home to his family.

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