CHP: U-Haul Careens Across Road Colliding With Honda Causing Motorcycle to Crash in Yesterday’s Major Injury Accident

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On 07/16/2016 at approximately 1455 hours, a 2010 U-Haul truck, driven by Peter J. Cummings was traveling northbound on US-101 north of Dora Creek. A 2002 Honda Accord, driven by Mara R. Neuroth was traveling southbound on US-101 approaching Dora Creek. A 1992 Harley Davidson motorcycle, driven by Richard E. Martin was traveling northbound on US-101 directly behind the U-Haul. Cummings failed to negotiate the roadway and allowed the U-Haul to run off the east roadway edge of US-101 and collide with a large redwood tree. After colliding with the tree, the U-Haul re-entered the roadway and traveled out of control into the southbound lane of US-101, directly into the path of the Honda. Unable to avoid a collision, the Honda collided with front right of the U-Haul. For reasons still under investigation the driver of the Harley Davidson failed to react to the collision directly in front of him. The driver lost control of the motorcycle and allowed it to overturn onto its right side, subsequently causing him to collide with the asphalt roadway and be ejected off the motorcycle. All vehicles came to rest blocking US-101.

As a result of this collision, Martin sustained major injuries and was airlifted to Mercy Medical Center in Redding, CA where he is in stable condition.

Alcohol or drugs are not a factor and this collision is currently under investigation by the Garberville CHP Office.

Due to this collision, US-101 was closed for approximately 45 minutes until one way traffic control was established.