How Dangerous is the I-880 Freeway?
Listen to this articleDriving on heavily traveled roadways is always a risk. One of the biggest hazards faced by drivers on the I-880 freeway is that larger, heavier vehicles are forced to take this route due to the heaviest diesel trucks being banned on other highways.
Diesel is Inherently Dirty
Part of the risk to those who live near the I-880 is that the biggest trucks, pulling the heaviest loads, are generally diesel powered. Diesel engines inherently offer more torque than gasoline engines. If the engine and the transmission can mesh well, diesel trucks pull more pound per gallon of fuel.
Heavy loads and powerful diesel engines mean that the area around the California I-880 highway is much more polluted than the air around other stretches of highway in the area. Exhaust from diesel trucks can contribute to a number of health and air quality issues.
Diesel Trucks are Heavier
A large diesel truck, loaded with a heavy trailer, will not stop quickly. Drivers in cars may not understand the power that it takes to stop a large truck, especially a truck that is hauling more than one trailer.
If a car driver tries to brake check a large truck, or simply cuts too close to a large truck, the driver of that rig has few choices. They can swerve and risk losing control of their rig, or they can face the hit and try to control the damage caused by rear-ending a driver who didn’t allow enough space. Brakes are often not enough to allow a very heavy truck to stop in time.
Because of their size and weight, truck accidents can be especially dangerous and deadly. In 2023, there were 94 truck accidents on I-880 in Alameda County resulting in 2 fatalities.
Other Hazards on the I-880
There have been a number of shootings on California freeways including I-880 in recent years. Again, the risk is often in the reaction. Humans who hear a gunshot can flinch and swerve or lose control of their vehicle. If you’re driving a very big rig, that swerve can lead to a catastrophic wreck involving several vehicles.
Once a large truck slows down in response to emergency lights and sirens, it takes time to get moving again. Drivers in cars who don’t understand the power it takes to start and stop such big trucks may choose to quickly maneuver between trucks and put everyone, including themselves, at risk.
Forcing the largest vehicles to stay on just one stretch of highway means that more diesel trucks will be on that roadway. Diesel fumes are especially noxious and can contribute to air pollution and breathing issues such as asthma. The limitations placed on the I-880 make it more dangerous for truckers, those in cars, and the people who live near the highway.
