Bill Passes Prohibiting Trucks on Angeles Crest

Assembly Bill 1361, introduced by Assemblymember Anthony Portantino (D-La Cañada Flintridge), passed the California State Senate and Assembly today, and will take effect immediately when the governor signs it into law.

AB 1361 will prohibit commercial vehicles with three or more axles or weighing 9,000 pounds or more from driving on the segment of Angeles Crest Highway located between Interstate 210 in La Cañada Flintridge and Big Pines Highway in Los Angeles County.

“AB 1361 has been a personal priority for me,” Assemblymember Portantino said. “Local residents and commuters must be able to feel safe on our streets. It was inspiring to have so many people pull together and work with the legislature to pass this measure in the wake of the tragic accident last Spring.”

AB 1361 was introduced in response to a fatal accident that occurred on April 1 in La Cañada Flintridge when a big rig truck lost control on Angeles Crest Highway and hit five cars before plowing into Flintridge Bookstore and Coffeehouse. At least 12 people were injured, three of them critically, and two people were killed.

“The horrific scene of the crash where a father and his 12-year old daughter died will forever remain in the memories of those who witnessed it,” said California Senator Carol Liu, the bill’s coauthor. “The goal of AB 1361 is to make sure such a tragic incident never occurs again.”

In response to the accident, Caltrans imposed a temporary ban on five-axle trucks through the Angeles National Forest along Angeles Crest Highway. The department also posted signs warning large trucks of the steep grades ahead.

“These steps were a good place to start, but they are only temporary safety measures,” Portantino said. “Senator Liu and I introduced AB 1361 to strengthen these measures and ensure that our community is protected.”

Since 1951, accidents involving trucks have been occurring at the base of State Route 2, which has grades as steep as 7% in some locations. In recent years, two trucks have lost control near a popular La Cañada Flintridge restaurant at the base of Route 2. In April 2005, a truck careened into a protective retaining wall, just feet from the restaurant, and in September 2008, a truck lost its brakes and smashed into seven cars in the restaurant’s parking lot.

“AB 1361 is an integral piece in keeping our community safe,” said La Cañada Flintridge Mayor Laura Olhasso. “Large commercial vehicles have no place on Angeles Crest Highway. We are so pleased with Assemblyman Portantino’s continuing effort to help keep La Cañada Flintridge safe from out-of-control vehicles that have struck our community in the past.”

AB 1361 was approved in the Senate 33-1 and by the Assembly 70-0. Once the governor receives the bill, he will have 10 days to sign it into law.