Gravel Spill in Yuba County Causes Multi-Vehicle Crash

Gravel Spill Causes Havoc on Highway 70

Highway 70 in Yuba County was the scene for yet another traffic incident on the morning of Tuesday, October 26, 2021, this one caused by a gravel spill.

We report on local accidents frequently, and it becomes apparent when one stretch of road is written about more than others. Highway 70 in Yuba County is the setting for a large number of car accidents. 

Details of the Tuesday Morning Gravel Spill

At approximately 6:45 a.m. on Tuesday morning, a crash involving multiple vehicles was reported by the California Highway Patrol (CHP). The involved vehicles, of which there were at least ten, were caused to crash after a gravel spill occurred on the roadway.

Traffic Diverted Near Plumas Lake

The crash scene and gravel spill spanned over half a mile. The CHP determined that it was necessary to divert southbound Highway 70 traffic in the vicinity of Plumas Lake Boulevard for a period of time.  Complete reopening of the road occurred just prior to 8:30 a.m.

Cause of the Gravel Spill

Authorities were unable to immediately determine what caused the gravel spill.

Why is Gravel in the Road Dangerous?

Gravel roads and gravel spills on paved roads present a driving safety challenge. The reason for this is how the gravel affects vehicle traction. Driving on loose gravel is more hazardous than driving on asphalt because tires do not have adequate traction. This can cause a loss of vehicle control. When speed is also a factor, serious problems can occur. That is why an unexpected gravel spill on a major highway can result in the kind of multi-vehicle incident that occurred in Yuba County this week.

Watch the YouTube video. The clip below offers tips for driving safely on gravel roads.

If you have an advanced warning of gravel in the road, here are five things you can do to decrease your risks:

  • Reduce speed. This is usually the number one tip on any list of safe driving tips. Slow down. Especially when you encounter gravel in the road. Your vehicle will handle differently on a gravel surface than a paved one, and it is much easier to lose control.
  • Do not swerve or turn suddenly. When traveling on a gravel road, keep your movements subtle. Any sudden or aggressive change in direction can cause the vehicle to enter into a skid.
  • Brake gently and accelerate slowly. Similar to the tip above, you want to keep the vehicle movements gentle and easy, as any aggressive movement will increase the risk of losing control of the vehicle.
  • Maintain a greater following distance. When gravel is in the roadway, make sure you increase the distance between your vehicle and the one up ahead. Not only will you need more room to stop if you must, but keeping a greater distance reduces the risk that your visibility will be affected by dust clouds, or that your windshield or headlights will be damaged by kicked-up pebbles.
  • Prepare for skids. It is difficult to maintain control of a vehicle when there is a layer of gravel in the road, as evidenced by the recent Yuba County incident. If your vehicle begins to skid on gravel, take your foot off of the accelerator and gently steer your vehicle in the direction you would like it to go.

Yuba City Personal Injury Lawyer

Hello, and thanks for reading. I’m Ed Smith, a Yuba City personal injury lawyer. There are many dangers on our Northern California highways. Some can be anticipated, while others may take us by surprise. Keeping a safe speed for conditions is one way to practice safe driving. Unfortunately, we only have control over our own driving behavior. If you have been injured in a crash that was caused by the negligence of another motorist, call our injury attorneys for free and friendly advice at (530) 392-9400 or (800) 404-5400.

Photo: by Joshua Fernandez via Unsplash

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