Big Rig Truck Fire Near Anaheim Causes Traffic Congestion

A large semi-truck caught fire in the city of Brea near Anaheim on the 57 highway causing massive traffic delays in both directions. The semi-trailer was transporting waste material including garbage, which had somehow caught fire while the semi-truck was driving. As a result of the fire in the truck, the driver had to pull over to the shoulder of the road and abandon his vehicle. Traffic slowed in both directions as the fire raged out of control and burned the truck. It took California Highway Patrol and Fire crews over an hour to contain and extinguish the fire.

Unfortunately, when there are accidents or hazards on the 57 Freeway, even if it does not involve other drivers, it can slow traffic due to what is known as the “spectator effect”. Drivers will slow down to watch a crash or accident, even if it is on the other side of the freeway. As a result, drivers will pay less attention to their own side of the traffic and be less careful when they are driving themselves. This can cause a chain reaction of accidents to occur after one accident, due to the “spectator effect” and drivers paying less attention.

In order to avoid car collisions when driving, it is important to always pay attention to the roadway ahead of you, and to try not to pay attention to accidents or other hazards in other lanes of travel if they do not affect you. Further, it is very dangerous and not recommended to take pictures or videos of other accidents while driving. Lastly, it is recommended to not contribute to the “spectator effect” by slowing down to watch accidents or hazards on the other side of the freeway. By following these steps, you can ensure safe driving at all times!