CHP

PHOTOS OF THE WEEK! - "TREAD DREAD!" This week's photo series shows what can go wrong after a tire replacement. This truck recently had a tire replaced after a blowout on the roadway. After the blowout, the tire tread became wrapped around the axle and was caught up in the brake drum. The tread was unnoticed during tire replacement and soon the truck was back on the road.... When this truck pulled into our inspection bay the tread was hanging down and dragging on the asphalt, while a good quantity of tread was wrapped around the axle and caught in the brake drum! There is definite potential for fire due to the steel belt friction on an asphalt roadway (not to mention brake operation!) Remember to carefully inspect the entire area for damage after replacing a blown-out tire. Drive safely this holiday season!

DISTRACTED DRIVING A POSSIBLE FACTOR IN HEAD-ON COLLISION Recently, Officers from the San Gorgonio Pass Area CHP responded to reports of a major collision on Gi...lman Springs Road near Alessandro Blvd. Upon their arrival, they began to investigate a major injury collision in an apparent case of crossing over double yellow lines. During the course of their investigation, Officers located a cell phone in the vehicle that had crossed into oncoming traffic. The already unlocked phone brightly and clearly displayed an eerie insight to the moments just before the collision; a half-written reply to a text message that read Thats ok all I got to say is... The collision, which resulted in major injuries, occurred when the driver of a Chevrolet Avalanche crossed over the double yellow lines and collided with into an oncoming big-rig, completely tearing off the rear axle of the semi. The Chevrolet continued and collided into a Dodge Charger before coming to rest. The driver of the Chevrolet sustained major injuries and was transported for treatment. Whether the driver of the Chevrolet was texting at the time of the collision is still under investigation. However, this serves as a stark reminder to everyone that distracted driving is extremely dangerous. This driver has a long road to recovery that could have possible been prevented had he simply waited to reply or found a safe place to pull over first. Please put the phone down...it can wait!

VIDEO OF THE MONTH: "Side Skirt HURT!" This week's video comes straight from an inspection bay at Dunsmuir Grade Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Facility. The video captures what happens when a fiberglass side skirt rubs against a fuel tank for an extended period of time and goes unnoticed!

PHOTO OF THE WEEK - Warning To All Motorists! This week's photo captures an excellent warning to all motorists. It's very important to remember that a commercial driver has a difficult time seeing vehicles that pass on the right. When driving a passenger vehicle, be sure to pass a truck-trailer combination vehicle on the left side and to pass quickly. Driving next to the trailer for an extended period is a high risk maneuver, as the driver can lose sight of you. A commerci...al driver has a limited field of view out of the side view mirrors, so you don't want to disappear in a blind spot. REMEMBER - Drive safely. Don't pass on the right and stay out of blind spots!