CHP KEPT BUSY SAVING LIVES

Examples are given of life-threatening emergencies connected with the transport of toxic chemicals in which the California Highway Patrol (CHP) has assisted and helped save lives. Details are described of the emergency which occurred on November 5 1981 at Castaic on Interstate 5 when propylene dichloride (a volatile chemical) ate its way out of a parked tanker truck spilling on the ground. A poisonous cloud of phosphoric fumes spreading from a ruptured 4,000- gallon chemical tank in Tustin on August 9 1981 required the evacuation of 2,000 residents. A flammable poisonous spill emergency developed in the Ontario area on September 28 1981 which resulted in the closing of Milliken off ramp on Interstate 10 for nine hours. It is the thoughtful reasoning of those who investigate the dangerous chemical spills that will eventually make highway travel safe for both truckers and car drivers. It is noted that spills will increase unless active government steps are taken to curb them. The National Research Council has estimated a projected growth of 9,000 truckloads of radioactive material on the nation's highways. The government will have to study the socioeconomics of the problem.

• Corporate Authors:

  California Association of Highway Patrolmen

  1225 8th Street
  Sacramento, CA  United States  95814
• Authors:
  • Roper, W L
• Publication Date: 1982-7

Media Info

• Pagination: 9 p.
• Serial:
  • California highway patrolman
  • Volume: 46
  • Issue Number: 5

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Emergencies; Freight transportation; Hazardous materials; Radioactive materials; Spills (Pollution)
• Uncontrolled Terms: Patrol
• Old TRIS Terms: Spillage
• Subject Areas: Freight Transportation; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00369589
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
• Report/Paper Numbers: HS-033 408
• Files: HSL, USDOT
• Created Date: Jan 31 1983 12:00AM