And Still Another Freeway Risk

Traveling on Southern California freeways lately carries still another risk. A mysterious wave of vehicle window-smashing broke out this month over an area reaching from San Bernardino to the Westside, prompting the California Highway Patrol to go on special alert.

Since Sept. 11, there have been more than 70 reports of windows being broken on freeways. Most of the incidents occurred at night, between 7 p.m. and 2 a.m., in an ever-widening area. On Tuesday night, rear windows of at least nine trucks and cars, including an ambulance, were smashed. On Wednesday, 12 more incidents were reported. So far, there have been no serious injuries, and that can only be a matter of good luck.

The CHP has ruled out bullets as the cause, but not BBs, air-gun pellets, thrown rocks or slingshot projectiles.

So what can drivers do, short of staying off the freeways? Be aware of your surroundings and other cars around you. If you see anything suspicious, report it to authorities.

Should your car be attacked, the CHP says, try to stay calm. Avoid overreacting or pulling your steering wheel sharply in either direction. Do not stop in a freeway lane or even on the shoulder; either action might cause you to be hit by another vehicle. Instead, exit the freeway at the nearest offramp and call 911 to report the incident. Should you be in an area where you feel there might be a danger to your personal safety, do not stop. Call the CHP from your home or another safe place, even if it’s hours later. Better yet, visit the nearest CHP office the next day. The Highway Patrol asks that you not clean up the damage to your car before reporting the incident; to do so might destroy valuable evidence.

The CHP has instituted special precautions that include increased patrols and helicopter surveillance. It has asked the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Caltrans and freeway help patrols to be on the lookout.

We all need to be alert. There’s a possibility that “copycats” are spreading the threat. With proper attention by drivers and authorities, these outrageous attacks will be stopped and those responsible will be prosecuted.