Freeway Shoulder Crashes Rise by Two-Thirds in ’84

The number of rear-end automobile accidents along the shoulders of California freeways increased by two-thirds during 1984 from the previous year, the state Department of Transportation reported Monday.

And, added Caltrans, one-third more lives were lost.

Transportation Director Leo Trombatore said there were 52 accidents, 57 deaths and 39 injuries in such accidents in 1984, contrasted with 31 accidents, 43 deaths and 39 injuries in 1983.

He said nearly twice as many trucks were involved during 1984. He also said that more than 40% of the vehicles struck from behind had stopped along the freeway for non-emergency reasons.

“Parked trucks and cars represent a real danger,” Trombatore said. “I strongly urge people to get away from the highway if they have to make a stop.”

More than 70% of the fatal roadside rear-end accidents occurred after dark, but in ideal weather conditions and within 10 feet of freeway lanes, Caltrans said. More than half of all accidents involved drunk drivers, and more than 90% involved male drivers under age 31.