40% of Highway Crashes Happen at Interchanges: Viral Video Shows Car Cutting Across Lanes Before Slamming Into Truck
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS — A horrifying dashcam video has gone viral after showing a car cutting across multiple highway lanes to make an exit, only to collide head-on with a semi-truck in a split-second crash that underscores one of the biggest dangers on U.S. roads.
According to federal data, nearly 40% of all highway crashes occur at or near interchanges, and this latest incident — captured from a truck driver’s dashboard camera — is a powerful reminder of why.
The video, recorded at night, shows a dark-colored sedan suddenly swerving from the far-left lane toward an exit ramp. Without signaling or slowing down, the driver crosses several lanes of traffic directly in front of an oncoming semi. The trucker slams on the brakes, but impact appears unavoidable as the car spins out of control and crashes at the interchange.
Dangerous Split-Second Decision Ends in a Violent Collision
Authorities have long warned about “last-second exit maneuvers”, a leading cause of serious crashes on interstates. Experts say drivers who miss their exits often panic and attempt to cut across lanes instead of safely continuing to the next ramp — a move that can be deadly.
“When you’re traveling at highway speeds, even one second of indecision can turn catastrophic,” said a roadway safety specialist. “No exit is worth risking your life or someone else’s.”
The truck involved in the crash appeared to be traveling at a steady speed and had little time to react. Commenters online praised the truck driver for maintaining control after the collision, preventing what could have been a multi-vehicle pileup.
40% of Crashes Linked to Interchange Areas
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that nearly four out of ten highway crashes occur at or near interchanges, junctions, or exits, where lane changes and merging traffic are most frequent. Many of these accidents involve speeding, distracted driving, or sudden lane shifts, particularly during night or high-traffic hours.
In this case, the interchange setup and sudden lane-crossing created a perfect storm for disaster — a textbook example of how driver impatience and poor decision-making can turn a normal commute into a serious wreck.
Bad drivers never miss their exit. 40% of all highway crashes occur at or near interchanges. This isn’t the truck’s fault but I know when I see a junction coming up especially with informational road signs I know expect some foolishness. pic.twitter.com/6Q96rt0GW9
— Rob Carpenter (@Thewhitesmoke) November 6, 2025
Stay Alert and Drive Smart
Transportation officials are urging drivers to use this viral video as a warning and practice better situational awareness while behind the wheel:
- Plan ahead: Use GPS or road signs early to avoid missing exits.
- Stay in your lane: If you miss your exit, take the next one safely.
- Keep distance: Maintain a safe following distance, especially near large trucks.
- Stay alert near interchanges: Expect merging traffic, sudden slowdowns, or reckless maneuvers.
As one highway safety officer noted, “Interchanges demand extra caution. They’re built for merging, not for last-second decisions.”
The viral crash serves as a stark reminder: staying calm and alert can save lives — including your own.
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