Flipped Travel Trailer On I-215, CHP Gives Lesson On Right-Of-Way

MURRIETA, CA — Officials attempted to remove a flipped travel trailer hitched to an SUV on the northbound Interstate-215 near Clinton Keith Road in Murrieta, Wednesday afternoon.

The incident was caused by a driver who attempted to pass the trailer by entering the freeway on the right-hand side of the vehicle, according to Temecula, California, Highway Patrol Officer Brian Seel.

"California drivers: Merging onto the freeway? YOU yield," Seel wrote on the department's Facebook page. "The vehicle already in the slow lane (far right) has the right of way—always. Speed up, check mirrors, signal, and only merge when it's CLEAR and safe."

One bad merge can flip a trailer... or worse, he reminded, as happened Wednesday.

Shortly after 11:30 a.m., a dark-colored Chevrolet Tahoe towing a 27-foot travel trailer flipped onto its side, blocking several lanes, according to CHP dispatch.

Tow trucks were responding to the scene, as were Murrieta Fire & Rescue firefighters and medics. No one was injured from that incident, officials say.

Traffic was blocked beyond Murrieta Hot Springs Road.

"A reporting party said they were cut off by an unidentified vehicle," the CHP dispatch operator said.

The trailer remained attached to the Tahoe after it flipped.

No injuries were reported, but a propane tank in the back of the trailer ruptured, causing a leak.

Seel's final reminder added:

"Don't be that driver, make sure you're not the one flipping a trailer because you cut someone off," he wrote. "Seriously—next time you're on the on-ramp, glance over, match speed, and wait. That slow-lane driver isn't moving for you. You're moving for them."