Most Dangerous Roads for Truck Drivers in San Bernardino
June 27, 2022 Posted In Truck Accidents
With the volume of traffic in San Bernardino, truck drivers must be extra cautious when navigating their route. However, there are a few roads that are particularly dangerous for large trucks. If you have been injured in a truck accident, contact our San Bernardino truck accident lawyers today.
San Bernardino’s Most Dangerous Highways
California Route 138: ‘Blood Alley’
California Route 138’s official name is Pearblossom Highway, but Californians more commonly refer to it as “Blood Alley” or “Highway of Death.” The highway runs about 65 miles from Crestline to Palmdale, through the Mojave Desert, which means there are sections in both Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties. The most dangerous stretch is east of the San Bernardino County line, where the two-lane road has significant twists and turns. Because of the narrow lanes and mountainous sections with twists, there is an increased risk of truck accidents. In a five-year period, 56 people were killed, and 875 were injured, which is how the highway received its nicknames. On average, 10 people were killed on the 138 each year until the lanes were widened in 2006.
Interstate 10 in San Bernardino County
The I-10 has been ranked as the fifth most dangerous highway in the country. This highway frequently has poor road conditions and is congested with truck drivers and other vehicles. Drivers are also known to merge at high speeds into stopped or slowly moving traffic, leading to collisions.
Interstate 15
The I-15 is a highway that links San Bernardino, Riverside, and San Diego Counties. Truck drivers must be especially careful due to heavy traffic. In addition, it believed that this stretch of road has a higher than average number of drivers who are distracted or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Factors That Increase the Risk of a Truck Accident in San Bernardino
Truck accidents can be caused for a variety of reasons, but there are factors that increase the risk of one occurring in San Bernardino.
Speeding
Due to traffic, drivers are constantly pressed for time and rushing to get to their destination. As a result, truck drivers must be extra careful to avoid an accident with a speeding driver.
Following Distance
Whether drivers are impatient or not paying attention when the roads are congested, other cars may follow a large truck too closely. If a truck driver must come to an abrupt stop, the vehicle behind them may crash into them.
Fatigue
Truck drivers and other motorists in San Bernardino often drive while fatigued, lowering reaction time and their attention span. Sitting in stop-and-go traffic for hours can also easily make you tired.
Distracted Driving
An accident can be catastrophic when a driver gets distracted in traffic or while driving down a windy road. Common types of distractions include using cell phones, eating, daydreaming, children in the backseat, talking to passengers, using GPS, changing the music, etc.
Though accidents can happen anywhere, at any time, and for any reason, it is critical for truck drivers to remain extra attentive and careful when traveling in San Bernardino.