COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — High winds and low visibility are raising safety concerns for semi truck drivers, especially after a massive crash involving nearly 30 vehicles — including several semi trucks — shut down Interstate 25 south of Pueblo.

The pileup, which occurred amid blowing dust and poor visibility, has renewed focus on how dangerous windy conditions can be for commercial vehicles.

Truck driver Freddy Sanchez said the unpredictability of strong gusts makes driving especially risky.

“The wind can push you off out of nowhere,” Sanchez said.

For commercial drivers, the danger is not limited to their own safety. The size and weight of semi trucks mean that any loss of control can have serious consequences for surrounding vehicles.

“It can happen in any moment because it's like I said, the wind can do whatever it wants with the heavy equipment,” Sanchez said. “Not just for me, for the people around, because with one little kid with these trucks and a small sedan, that's bad news.”

Weight is one of the most critical factors in how a truck handles high winds. A fully loaded tractor-trailer weighing up to 80,000 pounds is generally more stable than a lightweight or empty trailer. Empty trailers are significantly more vulnerable to being pushed sideways or tipped over by strong crosswinds.

Vehicle type also plays a major role. High-profile semi trucks have a larger surface area, making them more susceptible to wind resistance and instability compared to smaller or lower-profile vehicles.

Seasonal conditions further complicate matters. Snow, ice and reduced visibility add another layer of risk for drivers navigating exposed highways.

“Right now in the seasons like snow or something, it's hard, it's dangerous, it's really hard,” Sanchez said.

With ongoing high wind advisories and visibility warnings across parts of Colorado, commercial drivers are being reminded that load weight, trailer type and situational awareness can make the difference between staying upright and becoming the next crash statistic.

📸 Image(s) used under fair use for news reporting.