Oftentimes, accidents involving 18-wheelers can be made worse depending on the materials that the truck carries, especially when those materials are hazardous. For example, a few weeks ago, we posted about a semi truck carrying gasoline that was struck head-on and caused a large, deadly explosion. Hazardous materials can also cause environmental damage, and can take a very long time to clean up. But sometimes, the materials that a truck carries are dangerous for other reasons.

Last week, the Houston Chronicle reported that an 18-wheeler accident in McAllen, Texas, on Friday morning resulted in almost 5 tons of marijuana being discovered. The accident occurred when the semi truck, driven by a 28-year-old man from Mexico, crashed into a utility pole near the city's downtown. At that point, the Texas Department of Public Safety made the discovery and seized the illegal drugs.

Interestingly enough, police were already aware that the truck might have contained drugs, and had been following it as it made its way through the state in an unmarked police car. The man who was driving the 18-wheeler fled as soon as the accident happened, but he was apprehended shortly thereafter. His name has not yet been released by police.

Police released a statement that said the truck contained 9,440 pounds of marijuana, which has an approximate street value of $3.3 million. Police also reported that the investigation is continuing. So far, there aren't any other details as to what led to the crash or if anyone other cars were involved.

Because the truck was carrying an illegal substance, it is unlikely that the truck was insured. This is another reason, beyond the obvious, why drug trafficking is so harmful to our society. It puts lives at risk when likely untrained and uninsured truck drivers are using our roadways and causing accidents.

Source: Houston Chronicle, "DPS seizes nearly 5 tons of pot," 4/29/2011.