'Terrible Traffic' Delayed Emergency Response to Fatal Accident

A collision on southbound Interstate Highway 101 left a motorcyclist dead in Palo Alto Tuesday evening after emergency crews headed to the crash were delayed by heavy traffic, firefighters said.

The crash was reported at 5:46 p.m. on southbound Highway 101 just north of Embarcadero Road. The California Highway Patrol said the victim’s death was reported to dispatchers just before 6 p.m.

• Also See: PETA Sues Whole Foods, Alleges Deception in Animal Welfare Claims

The first firefighters arrived on scene at 5:56 p.m., according to Menlo Park Fire Protection District Fire Chief Harold Schapelhouman.

Traffic in the area was “terrible,” Schapelhouman said, and it had a definite impact on the ability of first responders to assist the victim.

• Also See: Wildfire Ash May be Toxic

“We failed to be where we needed to be within a period of time,” Schapelhouman said. “Whether that would have made a difference in this incident, I’m not sure.”

Last week the district’s board of directors adopted new standards establishing a goal of having the first firefighters on the scene of an incident within seven minutes of being reported to dispatch.

• Also See: 50 Sexting/Texting Terms and 7 Snapchat Tips Every Parent Should Know

Firefighters were not able to meet that new standard when responding to Monday’s fatal motorcycle crash, Schapelhouman said.

The CHP issued a Sig-alert for southbound Highway 101 at 6:06 p.m.

--Bay City News