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On March 1, a runaway boat caused a dramatic scene as it sped across a California highway, narrowly evading several vehicles while crossing multiple lanes and the median.
The unusual incident took place on a Sunday around 5:30 p.m. on the 91 Freeway in Bellflower, located in southeast Los Angeles County. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the boat had become detached from a U-Haul trailer, hurtling across the eastbound lanes before launching over the median. Fortunately, no one was injured in the chaos.
“I’m driving, and I’m looking, and I’m like, ‘There is an [expletive] boat!'” recounted Cassandra Sorrell in an interview with KABC-TV. “I had mere seconds to react. It was absolutely surreal,” she added.
A runaway boat narrowly missed colliding with several cars as it darted across a California freeway. (KTTV)
Sorrell further explained to KABC that she braced herself tightly, fully expecting an impact, convinced she would collide with the boat. As a result of the incident, she experienced whiplash, and her Tesla sustained minor damage.
A runaway boat crossed several lanes of traffic on a California freeway. No injuries were reported. (KTTV)
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that each year 730 people are killed and another 17,000 are injured because of objects in the road. The agency said that 81% of the crashes involve unsecured loads on passenger vehicles.
NHTSA recommends drivers hauling cargo to tie it down with rope, netting or straps, and for large cargo, it is advised that the objects be tied directly to one’s vehicle or trailer. Additionally, NHTSA suggests drivers consider covering the entire load with a sturdy tarp or netting. The agency warns against loading “excessive amounts of cargo” and asks that drivers double-check to ensure their cargo is secure.
Several drivers narrowly avoided being hit by a runaway boat that crossed a California freeway. (KTTV)
All 50 states and Washington, D.C., have laws about unsecured loads. NHTSA says “drivers are always responsible for safe operation of their vehicle,” which includes properly securing cargo.
“Violation of unsecured-load laws carry state-specific penalties with fines up to $5,000,” NHTSA warns.
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