Five People Died This Weekend on SoCal Freeways, Including One in South Gate

From the California Highway Patrol:

Five people lost their lives in traffic related collisions on Southern California highways over the weekend including South Gate.

On Friday, August 8, at 10:05 a.m., a motorcyclist was traveling southbound on Parmelee Avenue approaching 96th Street. A Ford sedan was traveling westbound on 96th Street approaching Parmelee Avenue at approximately 30 miles per hour. The intersection of Parmelee Avenue and 96th Street is a four way intersection. Parmelee Avenue is controlled by posted stop signs for southbound and northbound traffic. There are no traffic controls for 96th Street. For an unknown reason, the motorcyclist failed to stop and rode through the intersection colliding into the right side of the Ford sedan. The rider was ejected and sustained fatal injuries.

Drinking and driving don’t mix, driving with a blood alcohol content with .08% or more is illegal, but even with a lower BAC a driver may be a hazard and taken to jail. Always designate a non-drinking driver before the party begins. If you see a drunk driver please call 911.

The freeway is a very dangerous place for motorists, even more so for pedestrians. Our goal to save lives! If you get a flat tire, pull to the right and get off the freeway to a safer place.

Did you know that speed is the leading cause of traffic collisions in California, nearly 1/3 of all fatal and injury collisions are a direct result of driving too fast for conditions, always plan ahead and leave yourself some extra time to get to your destination.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 97.4 % of Californians wear their seatbelts. However, we still have fatal collisions where motorists and passengers are unrestrained. Always wear your seatbelt! It could mean the difference between a minor injury collision and losing your life!

PHOTO Patch file photo.