An unfortunate driver somehow crashed their vehicle into a fire hydrant in a parking lot at 1435 W Chapman Avenue, right next to the Ralphs store.
The incident was reported by the Orange Police Department at 12:30 p.m.
While specific nationwide statistics on how often U.S. drivers crash into fire hydrants are not readily available, here’s is some pertinent information:
- It happens regularly: Multiple sources indicate that vehicle collisions with fire hydrants are a fairly common occurrence. For example, the Manteca Bulletin reports that in their city alone, drivers shear off 6 to 10 fire hydrants yearly.
- More than just accidents: While some incidents are due to general traffic accidents, others involve drivers misjudging turns or simply running into them, sometimes due to “target fixation” where they focus too much on the hydrant.
- Fatalities are rare but occur: One report mentions that 32 people died after a vehicle struck a fire hydrant. This indicates that while not frequent, these crashes can have severe consequences.
- Underreporting is likely: The City of Portland states they receive reports of over 40 car accidents involving hydrants a year, and note there are also collisions that go unreported until the damage is discovered. This suggests the actual number of incidents could be higher.
The cost to an American driver who crashes into and shears off a fire hydrant can vary significantly based on several factors, but it will likely be in the thousands of dollars. Here’s a breakdown of potential expenses:…