Locals are fed up with a freeway onramp in San Dimas that is continually the site of rollover crashes.
Residents want officials to address the dangerous issue before a crash eventually turns deadly.
Business owners said they remain frightened to park their vehicles near the 57 Freeway onramp, wondering whether the next car that tumbles down the embankment will kill someone.
Surveillance video captured the latest crash as an SUV is seen running off the ramp, tumbling down an embankment and smashing through a fence before landing on a parked car.
The crash happened on Wednesday around 5 p.m. just behind the Salvage Hair Studio in San Dimas.
“I was just terrified,” said Jesica Davenport, a stylist at the salon who witnessed the crash. “I just saw this 4Runner launch and roll about three to four times and hit a red Honda on its way down.”
Davenport was seen on the video running to help the trapped driver who landed upside down. Unfortunately, locals say similar crashes have happened in the past.
“We’ve been here for three years and probably about 10 cars have come over on the hill that have crashed into cars that are here,” said Deborah Briones, a stylist at Salvage. “One day, we’re worried that somebody might get killed.”
Locals said the crashes appear to happen when light rainfall occurs, leaving slick roads behind. As cars accelerate at the top of the onramp to the northbound 57 Freeway off Arrow Highway, they spin out and frequently roll down the hill.
Another local witnessed a motorcyclist smashing into the onramp’s light pole, sending debris flying onto the hood of her car parked below.
“We usually tell our clients when it’s raining, don’t park over there because people usually fly off the freeway,” said Pia Bowers, a stylist at Salvage.
Locals said they’ve contacted Caltrans and city officials about installing guardrails or K-rails at the top of the ramp to prevent future crashes.
A spokesperson from Caltrans District 7 says they are reviewing the area for potential safety changes.
“As increasing the safety on California’s roadway system is Caltrans’ top priority, Caltrans transportation engineers will review the area to determine potential safety improvement needs, per standard practice,” said Public Information Officer Allison Colburn. “Factors that will be considered during this evaluation will include current roadway conditions, traffic patterns, typical driver behavior, and a review of any traffic incidents or crashes, among other factors. Upon completion of the review, Caltrans will determine next steps.”