'Blood Alley' haven for traffic accidents, deaths

  • Published
  • By Vincent Duny
  • Air Force Flight Test Center Ground Safety office
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  State Route 138 between Palmdale, Calif., and Interstate 15 is commonly known as the Pearblossom Highway, but do not let the name fool you. Between 1999 and 2003, this highway has become known as "Blood Alley". 

In 2004, State Route 138 had 22 fatal accidents, four pedestrian deaths, 42 speed related accidents, and seven drinking and driving fatalities. 

The Pearlblossom Highway is a very dangerous road. This is because of increased traffic, the road's rolling topography where vehicles tend to vanish and then reappear and the road's engineering with shoulders having two to four feet steep drop-offs and minimal shoulder widths causing drivers to lose control. 

If you must travel the Pearblossom Highway, slow down. Be aware of oncoming traffic, which may appear suddenly if you are attempting to pass a vehicle. If you must exit the road on to the shoulder, be extremely careful and maintain control at all times. 

Do not become another statistic. It may be called "Blood Alley," but you can make a difference. Drive safe, and be aware of the potential hazards associated with this road.