A dramatic scene unfolded on a California highway when an unmanned boat dashed across traffic, narrowly avoiding several vehicles as it hurtled over multiple lanes and the median.
This surprising event took place on Sunday, March 1, around 5:30 p.m. on the 91 Freeway in Bellflower, situated in southeast Los Angeles County. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the boat appeared to have become unhitched from a U-Haul trailer, careening across the eastbound lanes before vaulting over the median. Remarkably, no one was injured in the incident.
“As I’m driving, I suddenly see this thing and think, ‘There’s a boat!’ It was unbelievable,” recounted Cassandra Sorrell to KABC-TV. “I had just moments to react. It was like something out of a movie.”
The runaway boat came dangerously close to multiple vehicles as it skidded across a California freeway. (KTTV)
Sorrell shared with KABC that she tightly braced for impact, fully expecting to collide with the boat. Though she managed to avoid a direct hit, she reported experiencing whiplash, and her Tesla sustained minor damage.
The boat’s wild journey across several lanes on a California freeway ended without any reported injuries. (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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