Semitruck and Sedan Crash on Loop 375 West in El Paso Rain

Reported September 23, 2026

Reported

A semitruck and a sedan collided on Loop 375 West in El Paso on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, as the first wave of storms from an approaching regional weather system pushed into the Borderland and brought rain to the roadway, according to reporting by the El Paso Times and photographer Omar Ornelas. Forecasters at the time were warning residents of increasing chances of heavy rainfall and localized flooding continuing through Wednesday, making the crash a vivid example of how quickly wet-road conditions can set the stage for a serious collision between a large commercial vehicle and a passenger car.

• Approaching Storm System: Forecasters warned that the weather system moving into the Borderland region was expected to bring progressively heavier rainfall and localized flooding through at least Wednesday, raising the hazard level on El Paso roadways for an extended stretch.
• Wet Pavement and Large Trucks: Rain reduces traction and dramatically extends stopping distances for all vehicles, but the effect is amplified for fully loaded semitrucks, which can weigh up to 80,000 pounds and need considerably more distance to slow down than a passenger sedan even in dry conditions.
• Loop 375 as a Key Corridor: Loop 375, also known as the Border Highway and the Trans-Mountain Loop, serves as one of El Paso’s primary ring roads and carries a heavy mix of commercial truck traffic, commuter vehicles, and freight moving between the city, the international ports of entry, and Interstate 10.

What the Reports Say About the Crash

According to the El Paso Times report published by The Daily News, a semitruck and a sedan were involved in the crash on Loop 375 West as rain was actively falling on the roadway. The report does not specify the precise manner of the crash, the direction of travel for either vehicle, the number of occupants, or whether injuries were reported, and those details had not been confirmed as of the time of publication. Because early reports on crashes are frequently incomplete, any additional information about injuries, lane closures, or the sequence of events would need to be confirmed through official sources such as the El Paso Police Department or the Texas Department of Public Safety.

The timing of the crash, falling on the leading edge of a multi-day storm system, reflects a pattern that traffic safety researchers and highway agencies have long documented: the first hours of rainfall are often the most dangerous on roads, because oil and vehicle residue accumulate on dry pavement over time and then mix with initial rain to create a surface that can be nearly as slick as ice. For example, a driver following a semitruck at a normal dry-weather following distance may find that wet pavement reduces their ability to stop in time if the truck brakes suddenly, a risk that is especially acute on a fast-moving loop road like Loop 375.

Rain, Semitrucks, and Road Safety in West Texas

El Paso sits in the Chihuahuan Desert and receives relatively low annual rainfall, which means its roadway surfaces can accumulate more oil film between rain events than roads in wetter climates. When rain does arrive, especially during the North American monsoon season that typically runs from late June through September, the combination of slick pavement and drivers who aren’t accustomed to frequent wet-road conditions can contribute to a spike in crash rates. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) consistently notes that wet roads are a factor in a significant share of Texas crashes, and the agency encourages drivers to slow down and increase following distances as soon as precipitation begins.

Commercial semitrucks present a particular challenge in these situations. Because of their size, weight, and the physics of their braking systems, a fully loaded 18-wheeler traveling at highway speed needs far more room to stop than a passenger car, even when both vehicles are equipped with modern brakes. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) notes that large truck crashes are disproportionately deadly for the occupants of smaller vehicles in the collision, which underscores why maintaining generous following distances and reducing speed in rainy conditions is so important for all drivers sharing the road with commercial freight traffic. On a high-speed loop road like Loop 375, where trucks routinely travel alongside commuter traffic, those margins matter even more.

• Increase Your Following Distance: In rain, drivers should at least double the following distance they would keep in dry conditions, giving themselves more time and space to react if traffic ahead stops suddenly.
• Reduce Speed Below the Posted Limit: Speed limits are set for ideal conditions, and rain qualifies as a reduced-visibility, reduced-traction situation where driving below the limit is appropriate and lawful.
• Watch for Localized Flooding: When forecasters warn of localized flooding, as they did ahead of this storm system, drivers on El Paso roads should be alert for water pooling in low-lying sections of roadways and underpasses, and should never attempt to drive through standing water of unknown depth.
• Use Headlights in Rain: Texas law requires headlights when windshield wipers are in use, and properly illuminated vehicles are significantly more visible to other drivers, including semitruck operators sitting high above the traffic flow.

Frequently Asked Questions

Was Anyone Injured in the Loop 375 Crash

The source report does not include any information about injuries. That detail had not been confirmed as of the time of publication, and readers seeking official information should check with the El Paso Police Department or the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Were Any Lanes or Roads Closed After the Crash

The available report does not mention any lane closures or road closures resulting from the crash. Drivers in the El Paso area can check TxDOT’s DriveTexas tool for real-time road condition and closure information.

Why Are El Paso Roads Especially Slick When It Rains

Because El Paso receives relatively little annual rainfall, vehicle fluids and road oils build up on pavement for longer periods between rain events. When the first rain hits that accumulated film, the result can be a surface that is especially slippery, particularly during the opening minutes of a storm before sustained rainfall washes the residue away.