California Drivers Share Their Wildest Near Misses
California roads are notorious. From the gridlock on the 405 to the blind curves of Highway 1, driving here comes with risks. And if you’ve been behind the wheel long enough, you probably have a “close call” story (or five).
Near misses don’t always make it into police reports, but they reveal the same dangers behind actual crashes. They show us where drivers take risks, how quickly things can go wrong, and what you can do to protect yourself both physically and legally.
Below are some of the most jaw-dropping near misses drivers have reported across the state — along with takeaways that every California driver (and pedestrian) should know.
1. The Freeway Tire Launch
“I was behind a pickup truck on I-5 when a full-size spare tire came flying out of the truck bed. I swerved and missed it by inches. It hit the divider and bounced into the next lane.”
What We Can Learn: Always give extra space behind vehicles carrying visible cargo. Under California Vehicle Code §23114, it’s illegal to drive with unsecured loads, and the driver who lost the item can be held liable if it causes a crash. Evidence is everything: dash cam footage, photos of the vehicle, or a quick note of the license plate number can make the difference between an uncovered loss and a successful insurance claim.
2. The Phantom Brake Check
“Someone slammed on their brakes for no reason on the 405. Chain reaction behind them. I was lucky enough to stop in time, but the guy behind me wasn’t.”
What We Can Learn: Sudden, unnecessary braking can be more than reckless — sometimes it’s a tactic in staged accidents known as “crash-for-cash” scams. In multi-car chain reaction collisions, liability doesn’t always stop at the driver who rear-ended you; the front-most vehicle may be at fault if they triggered the event. Dash cam footage, traffic camera records, and witness statements can all help unravel the liability puzzle.
3. The Uber That Blew the Light
“I was walking through a crosswalk with the signal when a rideshare driver blasted through a red. Missed me by a foot. Didn’t even stop.”
What We Can Learn: Pedestrians always have the right of way in marked crosswalks under California Vehicle Code §21950. If you’re struck, you can file a claim against the rideshare driver and, in many cases, against Uber or Lyft’s insurance policy. Even in a near miss, dash cam and traffic cam evidence can support a report and help authorities hold reckless drivers accountable.
4. The Parking Lot Tap-and-Flee
“Someone nudged my bumper while backing out of a tight Trader Joe’s lot. I stepped out and they peeled off.”
What We Can Learn: Even a low-speed tap-and-run is serious. In California, leaving the scene of any accident — even one with only property damage — can be charged as a misdemeanor hit-and-run. If you can safely do so, snap a photo of the vehicle and license plate. Always file a police report, even if the damage seems minor, since hidden injuries or vehicle damage often surface later.
5. The Road Rage Lane Cut
“On the 101, a driver swerved across three lanes just to block me in after I didn’t let them merge. They nearly caused a pileup.”
What We Can Learn: Road rage isn’t just scary — it’s a safety and legal hazard. Aggressive driving is a violation of California law, and if it causes a crash, the aggressive driver can face both civil and criminal consequences. If you encounter a road rage driver, avoid engaging. Instead, try to document their plate and report them to CHP.
6. The Canyon Curve Swerve
“A sports car took a blind curve way too fast on Angeles Crest. Crossed into my lane. I was able to veer onto the shoulder just in time.”
What We Can Learn: Speeding and overconfidence are a deadly combination, especially on California’s canyon and mountain roads. Defensive driving — slowing down, scanning ahead, and leaving space — can save your life. If you see reckless driving, you can report it to the California Highway Patrol (CHP) by calling CHP (247) from your cell phone. Reporting isn’t just about your safety; it helps prevent future crashes.
7. The Distracted Driver Drift
“On the 280, the car next to me started drifting into my lane. When I honked, I saw the driver was staring at their phone.”
What We Can Learn: Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of crashes in California. If a driver’s texting causes an accident, phone records can serve as key evidence in proving negligence. If you’re involved in a crash and suspect distraction, tell your lawyer — they may subpoena those records.
Near Misses Deserve Attention Too
Just because you walked away doesn’t mean it wasn’t serious. Near misses highlight unsafe conditions, reckless drivers, and gaps in awareness. They also remind us how crucial it is to:
- Document what happened (photos, dash cam footage, license plates).
- Report reckless or aggressive drivers to authorities.
- Check yourself for stress or trauma — near misses can leave lasting effects.
If you’ve had a close call and aren’t sure what your rights are, it’s worth getting a quick legal perspective. At DK Law, we’ve seen it all — from minor “tap-and-runs” to high-speed freeway crashes. We’re here to help you sort fact from fear, and to protect your rights if the next scare turns into a serious accident.
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