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As one of the major routes in California, the 210 Freeway in Pasadena is always crowded with vehicles. They are often filled with football fans who flock to Pasadena every New Year to witness the famed Rose Bowl Game held in the Rose Bowl stadium. With a capacity of over 90,000 people, it is one of the largest stadiums in the United States. So far, the stadium has hosted five Super Bowl games and several World Cup soccer championships, including FIFA matches.
Tourists and locals alike also enjoy the historic Tournament of Roses, a parade that showcases flower-covered floats. It has been held annually since January 1, 1890, to celebrate Pasadena’s sunny climate, as the rest of the nation is buried under snow. Thousands of people attend the parade each year.
Apart from these major events, the usual economic activities inside and outside Pasadena also bring massive commercial trucks traveling through the 210 Freeway daily. The mere number of trucks passing through puts drivers and other road users (especially those in smaller cars) at risk of getting into a potentially catastrophic traffic accident.
Compared to the average passenger vehicle, trucks can be more difficult to maneuver and take a long time to stop, making them significantly more dangerous on the road. Truck accidents on the 210 Freeway in Pasadena may thus result in significant consequences, including damage to properties, severe bodily injuries, and even wrongful deaths.
Why Do Truck Accidents Happen On The 210 Freeway In Pasadena?
Truck accidents are a common sight on the 210 Freeway. Here are the common causes of truck accidents on Interstate 210 in Pasadena:
Speeding
Truck drivers must often meet deadlines to deliver their cargo, then start a new trip or return home. In some cases, they may drive over the speed limit to do so. Although different vehicles may speed on the 210 Freeway, speeding trucks pose a greater danger. During an accident, the sheer weight and size of trucks could severely damage or crush smaller vehicles or pedestrians.
Trucks also need more time than the average car to stop. Imagine what might happen if a speeding truck driver fails to hit the brakes at a safe distance and hits a car going the other way, for example. Speeding accidents can potentially cause devastating injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, paralysis, and amputations. Fatalities might also occur as a result of speeding collisions.
Fatigued Driving
Fatigue is often related to drowsiness, but it’s more than that. Extreme exhaustion can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 684 recorded deaths from drowsy driving accidents in 2021, highlighting the understated dangers of fatigued driving.
When a driver is fatigued, their response time may be slower and their judgment may be affected. These factors can impact safe driving.
Overloading Trucks
In some cases, trucks may be accidentally or intentionally overloaded with cargo. This additional weight can potentially pose a danger to drivers, pedestrians, and other road users. For example, it could increase tire pressure, leading to tire blowouts. If the weight is unevenly distributed, the truck could tip over and cause a rollover accident. On a related note, unsecured cargo can fall off the trailer and hit other vehicles. Unfortunately, accidents involving big rigs on Pasadena’s 210 Freeway are already a reality, such as the one involving an overturned tractor-trailer carrying over 50,000 pounds of gravel that injured two people. Freeway accident attorneys can look into these incidents to identify whether improper loading or weight violations contributed to the crash and resulting injuries.
Distracted Driving
NHTSA said distracted driving claimed the lives of 3,308 Americans in 2022. Given that commercial trucks and big rigs tend to be involved in very serious collisions on I-210, drivers should focus on the road 100% of the time.
Distracted driving is a significant concern among both private and truck drivers. Using their phone, eating, talking, or doing anything else diverts their attention away from the road. Driving requires full attention, and engaging in any distraction increases the risk of an accident.
Not Paying Attention To Blind Spots
Trucks have massive blind spots that make driving alongside them dangerous for smaller vehicles. The truck’s blind spots can be around 30 feet, which can hide an entire car. Using side mirrors and backup cameras can minimize these blind spots, but cannot eliminate them completely. This is why truckers have to be cautious when turning or switching lanes. Other motorists should also be mindful and not stay in a truck’s blind spots for too long.
Reckless Driving
California imposes laws and regulations that motorists must strictly follow to keep everyone safe. Reckless driving accidents may happen when drivers ignore these rules and act carelessly behind the wheel. Should the driver violate traffic laws by changing lanes recklessly, driving under the influence, or engaging in reckless behaviors on the road, they could be subject to penalties and consequences in line with their negligent actions. Truck accident lawyers may review these cases to understand how reckless behavior led to the crash and to identify any violations of safety or traffic laws.
Lack Of Truck Maintenance
Poor truck maintenance is another reason why many truck accidents happen on the 210 Freeway in Pasadena. Faulty brakes, misaligned or worn-out tires, malfunctioning lights, and busted suspension on these huge vehicles could create hazards on the road.
Driving In Inclement Weather
Rain can make the roads slippery, especially for the first 15 minutes. Oil, dirt, and rubber accumulate and harden on the road’s surface during sunny days. The rain then causes a slick layer of oil and water to form on the surface. Tires can potentially lose traction, and stopping distances may increase.
In February 2024, a semi-truck jackknifed near the Lake Avenue off-ramp, which led the trailer to dangle down the embankment. According to the report, the accident happened after a night of heavy rain, which caused slippery roads.
Potholes And Other Road Defects
Many motorists have complained about the potholes along the freeway, particularly near the Madre Street exit. Potholes, uneven pavement, and other road defects significantly increase the risk of accidents involving large vehicles.
Trucks have a higher center of gravity compared to cars. Hitting a pothole or encountering uneven pavement may cause a truck to jolt or swerve unexpectedly. The sudden shift in weight can be difficult to control, especially if the vehicle is overloaded. Potholes and road debris could also inflict significant damage on a truck’s tires. A sudden blowout at highway speeds might cause the driver to lose control, potentially leading to spinouts or jackknifing.
The City Of Roses And Truck Accidents
Amidst the colorful and lively atmosphere of Pasadena, there are risks of severe traffic accidents, especially along Lake Avenue and Hill Avenue freeway exits. Most of the collisions that happen in the area involve big and heavy trucks. These accidents often happen because of the sheer volume of vehicles, both private cars and commercial trucks, pouring onto the freeway.
Some truck accidents occur around Pasadena’s train tracks by the freeway. In fact, a truck accident on the Gold Line resulted in all light-rail services being stopped for a while. Gold Line passengers said they were aware of the risks of a car or truck hitting the railway tracks. Regardless, train accidents involving trucks and other vehicles can result in delays. More importantly, catastrophic accidents like these are likely to end in severe injuries and fatalities. Catastrophic injury lawyers can assess your situation to identify contributing factors. They can also help establish liability and explain how large-scale collisions impact victims and public safety.
Many passengers choose to ride a train to work out of convenience. They can save money from paying for taxis, avoid getting stuck in heavy traffic, and help save the environment. In line with this, the LA Metro said that starting in 2027, the third extension from Azusa/Glendora to Montclair would reduce car miles by 146,700 and greenhouse gas emissions by more than 3 million metric tons.
While this solution is beneficial for commuters and the environment, it may not fully address the risk of accidents. In recent years, Pasadena officials have started developing a way to prevent similar incidents to the Gold Line catastrophes on the 210 Freeway.
Doubling The Height Of 210 Freeway Concrete Barriers
For the past years, cars and trucks have spun and tumbled over concrete barriers on the 210 Freeway. In one of these accidents, a truck crashed straight through the freeway and landed on the Metro Gold Line rail tracks. The accident disrupted passengers and caused heavy traffic.
Many agree it’s time to address the issue before a deadlier accident happens, which could cause people to stop riding the popular light-rail line that helps reduce traffic. LA Metro is planning to build a 56-inch-high concrete barrier stretching over 12 miles to prevent trucks and cars from hitting the rail tracks. The current barriers are based on old-generation K-rails, which are 32 inches high. To deflect out-of-control cars and trucks, the new barriers that will be installed are rounder and bolstered with rebar steel.
Safe Driving Tips To Prevent Accidents On Pasadena’s 210 Freeway
Freeway accidents typically involve major vehicle damage and serious injuries. Practicing safe driving habits can help avoid accidents in general.
Here are some driving tips that can help prevent 210 Freeway accidents in Pasadena:
- Keep a safe distance from vehicles in front of you, especially trucks.
- Maintain your speed within the posted limits and according to the conditions on the freeway.
- Make your route clear in advance to avoid confusion or hasty decisions when driving.
- Make sure you see the road clearly. Stay aware of your blind spots.
- Keep your eyes on the road and away from handheld devices such as cell phones.
- Keep your vehicle in good condition.
- Be alert and pull out of the freeway if you get tired or if you need a break.
- Do not stop or use the shoulder unless you need emergency assistance.
California State Highways With High Accident Rates
NHTSA assures that California’s highway fatality rates are dropping. This decrease is primarily attributed to the improved safety features now present on the roads and in most vehicles. However, despite lower death rates, the number of disabling injuries from I-210 and other freeway accidents remains high.
The National Safety Council (NSC) reported in 2021 that California has the second-highest number of deaths due to large truck crashes. The unique geographical structure of highways and roads in the state likely contributes to these accidents.
That said, Pasadena’s 210 Freeway is not the only dangerous highway in California. Below are some of the state highways that have a high traffic accident rate:
US 101
US 101 runs through California for about 800 miles from Los Angeles to Grants Pass. In operation since the 1920s, it has many well-known segments, such as the Hollywood, Central, and Santa Ana Freeways. It helps delivery trucks transport goods across the San Fernando Valley and to areas like Hollywood and Downtown LA.
State Route 99
California State Route 99, also known as the Golden State Highway, runs through 420 miles from the Central Valley between Bakersfield and Red Bluff. In the past, it served as a major north-south route until I-5 was built. Several factors, including road conditions, poor lighting, and drivers’ negligence, contribute to the route’s high rate of accidents and fatalities.
State Route 1
State Route 1, also known as the Pacific Coast Highway, has a mesmerizing view of California’s coastline. It goes from Dana Point in Orange County to Mendocino County. However, the breathtaking scenery of the vast Pacific Ocean may serve as a contributing factor to accidents by distracting drivers. Many other hazards are also present in SR-1, like blind curves, limited guardrails, and strong winds, especially during inclement weather.
State Route 41
State Route 41 connects the Central Coast with the San Joaquin Valley and the Sierra Nevada. This route is a vital link for transporting agricultural goods. Many trucks passing through pose risks to other vehicles. In fact, Caltrans stated that traffic congestion, high collision rates, and passing opportunities are issues identified on a 7.1-mile segment of State Route 41 in Fresno and Kings counties.
State Route 210
State Route 210 stretches 40 miles east of Interstate 10 between Redlands and Glendora before it transitions into Interstate 210 and moves toward Los Angeles. The 210 through Pasadena suffers from potholes and poor maintenance, making it hazardous to motorists. As one of the major routes in Southern California, it accommodates many vehicles.
Major Routes That Intersect The Pasadena Freeway 210
Freeway 210 connects several routes in Southern California. These routes have a high volume of daily traffic, including trucks and tractor-trailers. Given this, it’s not surprising to know that car accidents regularly occur on the freeway.
The following are the major routes that intersect on Freeway 210:
- Interstate 5 – This nearly 800-mile-long highway between San Francisco and Los Angeles is used by more than 1 million drivers and commuters in California. Aside from sharing the road with thousands of drivers and passengers, the high number of trucks on the highway likely increases the risk of accidents.
- Interstate 15 – The I-15 is another heavily traveled highway in Southern California, linking San Bernardino, San Diego, and Riverside counties. This freeway also connects Las Vegas to Los Angeles and is ranked as one of the deadliest highways in the United States.
Injured In A 210 Freeway Accident? Consult Our Truck Accident Lawyers
If you or your loved ones are injured in a truck accident on the 210 Freeway in Pasadena, you may be able to pursue compensation for your medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other related costs.
Arash Law has experience in handling a wide range of personal injury claims. Our Pasadena truck accident lawyers know how to manage freeway accident cases and can help injury victims seek accountability for their losses. Our personal injury attorneys advocate for our clients’ rights and offer them dedicated legal support throughout the claims process.
With our personal injury lawyers by your side, you have a team that can guide and help you make informed decisions about your case. Call us at (888) 488-1391 or fill out our “Do I Have A Case?” form for a free initial consultation.
