Big-Rig Driver Talks About What Happened Moments Before Accident

Adrian Barriga says he is thankful to be home and recovering from Wednesday night’s accident on Highway 101 near San Luis Obispo.

Barriga says his life flashed right before his eyes when his big rig exploded seconds after he got out.

“Every truck driver anticipates things to happen on the road but you never think it will happen to you until it happens,” said Barriga, who was taking his usual route to San Francisco to deliver produce at the city market.

Barriga has been driving semi-trucks for over a year.

He tells KEYT/KCOY/KKFX’s Cory James that he got at least eight hours of sleep before starting his day.

However, his normal night commute took an unusual turn when, after 40 minutes of driving, he hit a dip in the road while trying to switch lanes.

“I lost traction and with the weight of the trailer it dragged me to the guardrail.”

Barriga says he tried his best to avoid hitting the guardrail but adds “it was just impossible to break” since he was “carrying 70,000 pounds of produce.”

Barriga, a father of three, says if it was not for his seat belt he probably would not be here.

He tells Central Coast News that this entire experience has given him new meaning and focus in life, which is why he is now “trying to spend as much time with [his] family” as possible.