TOWN OF RIDGEWAY, WISCONSIN — An Iowa County semi-truck driver who used a narrow, winding rural road as a shortcut crashed into a ditch Tuesday morning when his truck was unable to negotiate the tight curves — and was cited for being overweight and traveling at an unsafe speed, even though the road carried no posted weight restrictions.

The Iowa County Sheriff's Office responded at approximately 6:48 a.m. on June 24, 2026, after a towing company reported a semi-truck crash on Rosy Lane in the Town of Ridgeway. Deputies responded along with a Wisconsin State Patrol Commercial Motor Vehicle Inspector.

The driver, from Janesville, told investigators he was using Rosy Lane as a shortcut. While the road was not posted with weight restrictions and the truck was legally permitted to travel on it, investigators determined the route was not suitable for a large commercial vehicle due to its tight curves, narrow lanes, and limited shoulder recovery area. The vehicle's weight and speed were determined to be contributing factors in the crash. Citations were issued.

No injuries were reported.

Iowa County Sheriff Michael Peterson used the crash as a reminder that the absence of posted restrictions does not mean a road is safe for commercial vehicles. "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. 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," the Sheriff's Office said.

All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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