NOVI (WWJ) -- A semi-truck driver is in the hospital after police said he rear-ended a gravel hauler on the freeway in Oakland County Monday morning.
According to Michigan State Police, the driver of a gravel hauler was slowing down on eastbound I-96, near Beck Road in Novi, when he was hit from behind.
The gravel hauler told police he was slowing down for traffic congestion and had his hazard lights, on when he was rear-ended by the semi.
MSP said the driver of the semi suffered serious injuries, but is expected to survive. The gravel hauler driver was not hurt.
MSP First Lt. Mike Shaw said it appears that the semi driver was just following too closely to the other truck.
“We continue to remind drivers to leave enough distance between their vehicle and the vehicle in front of them,” said Shaw, in a statement. “Rear end crashes are totally preventable. Drivers should always leave enough room to react to sudden stops, emergencies or changes in road conditions.”
Traffic was backed up in the area, with two lanes closed at the crash scene. All lanes reopened at around 11:40 a.m.