71-Year-Old Leggett Man Receives Major Injuries in Fatal Accident

Fatal crash Feature iconPress release from the California Highway Patrol:

CHP TC ReportOn January 18, 2019, at approximately 1640 hours, a 2001 Dodge Ram pickup driven by Ramon Machado was traveling northbound on US-101, just north of Reynolds Highway in the #1 traffic lane. For an unknown reason, the driver of the Dodge Ram allowed his vehicle to drift to the left into the southbound traffic lane, where it collided with a 2013 Mercedes Sprinter Van, which was traveling southbound US-101 in the southbound #1 lane. The driver of the Dodge Ram was transported to Howard Memorial Hospital with major injuries, and was evaluated for DUI, which did not appear to be a factor. The driver of the Mercedes Sprinter Van succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

The drivers name of the Mercedes is being withheld, pending next of kin notification by the Mendocino County Coroner. This incident remains under investigation by the Garberville CHP office.

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74 Comments
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I like stars
Guest
I like stars
5 years ago

Far too many of these incidents. Condolences to the family of the victim.

Guest
Guest
Guest
5 years ago
Reply to  I like stars

Yes. Yes,yes,yes…

Guy
Guest
Guy
5 years ago
Reply to  I like stars

Center dividers would have saved a couple lives in the last few days

Capitalist pig
Guest
Capitalist pig
5 years ago

Rest in peace old timer

I like stars
Guest
I like stars
5 years ago
Reply to  Capitalist pig

The “old timer” was the killer, not the victim.

Shayla Meserve
Guest
Shayla Meserve
5 years ago
Reply to  I like stars

He not a killer. I’m sure he will have enough emotions with know he was at fault. Why is it called an accident? My goodness people have lost all compassion, it’s truly sad:(

I like stars
Guest
I like stars
5 years ago
Reply to  Shayla Meserve

When you kill someone you are a killer.

Divide by Zero
Guest
Divide by Zero
5 years ago
Reply to  I like stars

Yes, but there is that nagging question of intent. If you plow your vehicle into your ex because you hate her, then you’re a killer. If you plow your vehicle into your ex because you swerved to avoid a child who ran onto the road, now that’s a different story.

Responder
Guest
Responder
5 years ago
Reply to  I like stars

Hopefully one day u don’t get into a car accident and accidentally Cody someone’s life.

TQM
Guest
TQM
5 years ago
Reply to  Shayla Meserve

it is not an accident. it is willful negligence. big difference.

onlooker
Guest
onlooker
5 years ago
Reply to  I like stars

While I hope that you or any of your loved ones never find themselves behind the wheel and responsible for an accident that takes a life, it would be interesting to read what you had to say then. Slick pavement? Pounding or water running, a hydroplane? Will they be excuses then, or will you understand that the best and most attentive drivers sometimes find themselves in circumstances they they can’t control?

Lost Croat Outburst
Guest
Lost Croat Outburst
5 years ago
Reply to  onlooker

You have to slow down in the rain so you won’t hydroplane or skid out of control. You can’t drive like it’s summer, sunny and warm. Driving Unsafely in bad weather is negligent. Look up the DMV regs; you must drive in a safe manner consistent with ambient conditions.

Tall Trees
Guest
Tall Trees
5 years ago
Reply to  Capitalist pig

The deceased hasn’t been identified. The “old timer” caused the accident in his truck, but he survived with major injuries.

Brea
Guest
5 years ago

That’s horrible I’m sad to hear the loss of a life in this accident is happened right in front of me as the white van was coming into a one lane going south as the doge ram highdroplained into our lane I was able to slam my breaks in and I seen a white van and in a blink of an eye it was gone and the black doge ram was sitting south west in both lanes. I was able to pull over and see that both parties were severely hurt. I’m just glad it wasn’t more than two car accident as this area is dangerous and the water and ice sit on this particular area of the road. A young girl and her aunt lost their life 10 feet after this accident area. The road needs to be assessed again I travel this road for 30 years and to many accidents happen to believe it’s the drivers no no it’s the road and how much water sits on it and where it does not have a run off.

I like stars
Guest
I like stars
5 years ago
Reply to  Brea

It’s not the fault of the road. The driver is responsible for controlling his vehicle. If conditions are poor, slow down or exit and wait for them to improve.

Antichrist
Guest
Antichrist
5 years ago
Reply to  I like stars

here is the thing . i agree with you about folks needing to be accountable for their own safety. However court case after court case has proven that the state county and or city can be held responsible.
things like a road sign being installed 6 inches out of place has resulted in hundreds of thousands in settlements.

Geoffrey davis
Guest
Geoffrey davis
5 years ago
Reply to  I like stars

I like Stars… guess you haven’t been on the Alderpoint rd, or out to Petrolia lately.2
ft deep pot holes….

Huh?
Guest
Huh?
5 years ago
Reply to  I like stars

You can hydroplane when going under the speed limit and with good tires. Ridiculous to suggest that the road never factors into an accident. Especially on that stretch of 101.

Central HumCo
Guest
5 years ago
Reply to  Huh?

~true. Many moons ago, traveling North on 101, in Marin County closer to the Sonoma County line, i remember there used to be a drive-in on the East side – it’s a low spot with higher fields on both sides. Traffic had come to a slow roll thru the flooded area, which was more like surface water when we went thru. I was the passenger in a well-kept, spotless 1984 Thunderbird (Silver edition something), and even at just wading-thru-speed, it hydroplaned.

Lost Croat Outburst
Guest
Lost Croat Outburst
5 years ago
Reply to  I like stars

Yes, you may hydroplane even at low speed but you SURVIVED, obviously. That’s the point. I guess I will never understand California driver attitudes.

TQM
Guest
TQM
5 years ago
Reply to  Brea

good point about the road. people still need to go way slow and pay close attention to what is going on in front of them. glad you were paying close enough attention to see that you had to slam on the breaks.

Milton
Guest
Milton
5 years ago

We drove by this crash last night, it looked pretty bad. We stopped in Laytonville for gas and two cops were there taking a break, I asked them what happened and they said “it was a case of road rage”.

JDubbs
Guest
JDubbs
5 years ago
Reply to  Milton

[edit]They probably just helped pull the mangled victim out of the wreckage and you’re like “hey, what happened”.

Willie Caso-Mayhem
Guest
5 years ago

🕯RIP🕊🕊🕊

A
Guest
A
5 years ago

This comment has no bearing on the accident in the article, condolences to all; but in general vehicles are not supposed to hydroplane, people should drive under the speed limit in inclement weather, and people need to keep their cars tuned up, good tires, rotate them etc., for very little money even older cars can be kept in good shape.

Stay safe.

Rip.

Brea
Guest
5 years ago
Reply to  A

I agree, it’s unfortunate that a life is losses. The speed should be 40mph. Here maybe elderly driver license for day time can be considered it can prevent and secure drivers who are elderly. Therefore factors of poor condition of roads can’t imagine a 70 year was driving slower the road has been always poor and at 70 in this area you are aware this part of the road is dangerous I guess no one ever feels any thing unless it happens directly to them we are now in a world where no one really gives a shit. As a medic and resident it’s sad to see these posts more and more negative toward victims and people who make mistakes. Have a wonderful day keeps eyes on the road please.

Farce
Guest
Farce
5 years ago
Reply to  Brea

Thank you for your comments. I know his stretch of road very well for about 40 years. It is a dangerous spot because it is different than the rest of the highway. Locals know this but may also forget. It has had black ice here when other sections are dry. It’s a terrible thing to blame people without knowing any details! I have been driving this stretch slower than the speed limit due to conditions and have had people behind me driving on my bumper! I guess they are not locals or maybe they have special cars where nothing ever goes wrong? Cal-Trans knows from data where the most deadly stretches of the highway are- they keep showing up on Kym’s site here. There should at least be extra signage warning/reminding of the danger and yes- there should be work done on drainage or correcting of grade. Perhaps CHP should show more interest in these particular areas and ticket the heck out of speeders and tailgaters? Our highway is very dangerous- but mostly in just a few spots.

A
Guest
A
5 years ago
Reply to  Farce

Farce,
thank you for your comment, maybe they should consider that, at a minimum a flashing warning sign be posted, it wouldn’t cost anything.

Condolences.

Guest
Guest
Guest
5 years ago
Reply to  Brea

The accident was at about 5 pm so daylight license for old people was not at issue here. Then there was the accident reported here where a 20 year old did the same thing.

But I agree there are too many of these drifted out of the lane accidents. I read that California is ceasing to use ceramic road studs. I think they should use more, not stop them. Maybe the Highway Depts should use rumble strips on each side of a painted dividing line as a warning. Or just an irritant to keep people in their own lanes. The idea is that new computer warnings in cars will obsolete them. I say wait until that is established as effective.

My father used to say that radial tires were a factor as the old tires used to squeal when they reached a point of sideways stress. I haven’t heard a tire squeal in years despite having come close to pushing my truck too fast on a curve. Maybe with all the computer abilities, a too- fast- for- this- curve- idiot warning is needed.

A
Guest
A
5 years ago
Reply to  Guest

Guest,
excellent comment, maybe somebody could start a petition to use the ceramic road studs or something like that at least around here.

Thanks.

shak
Guest
shak
5 years ago
Reply to  A

I second this!

Lost Croat Outburst
Guest
Lost Croat Outburst
5 years ago
Reply to  Guest

Drivers’ Ed in high school would be cost effective and life-saving.

Liz
Guest
Liz
5 years ago
Reply to  Brea

Brea, LOL, you think 71 is elderly.

Brea
Guest
5 years ago
Reply to  Liz

Hahaha, legally yes but physically i have known elderly up to the age 97 but not driving. ultimately I sit with my internal feeling and know the grade/road needs to be assessed. Condolence to the family

Kirk Richards
Guest
Kirk Richards
5 years ago
Reply to  A

Absolutely correct. It is the driver’s responsibility to adjust to varying road conditions and to keep a vehicle properly maintained, old or new.

Dot
Guest
Dot
5 years ago

Weather conditions deeply impact driving hazards.
Please do NOT use cruise control in wet weather, it can make you accelerate unexpectedly in a hydroplaning situation. Do not drive through a flooded area if you can avoid it. Go slow if you can’t. If your windshield wipers are on, your headlghts should be, too. Rain impacts visibility, yours and everyone else’s. And please, always wear your seatbelt. And hail can be like driving on marbles! In hail or snow/slush/icy conditions try to go slow enough you will be less likely to need your brakes going into curves… or in general.
Even long time good drivers can find themselves in situations and conditions they have no experience with. If conditions are weird, ease up and pay attention. Sigh. Arriving at all is more important than getting there on time.
RIP to all those who lost their lives on the roads in this storm system.

TQM
Guest
TQM
5 years ago
Reply to  Dot

sage advice

A
Guest
A
5 years ago
Reply to  Dot

Dot,
thanks.

Lynn H
Guest
Lynn H
5 years ago
Reply to  Dot

If anyone has a Honda with a Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) System you might want to cautious of that as well. I find mine makes the car less stable and much less predictable in rain/ice. YMMV. I shut mine off unless I’m on dry pavement.

Lost Croat Outburst
Guest
Lost Croat Outburst
5 years ago
Reply to  Dot

Exactly right.

Gerry
Guest
Gerry
5 years ago

Center dividers would save so many innocent

J
Guest
J
5 years ago
Reply to  Gerry

Yeah, however CHP don’t want them, as it would make it more difficult to give speeding tickets to people on opposite side of hwy…

Their priority is to make money, NOT safety… Or else they would give tickets to the massive amount of illigal LED headlights on the road that are blinding on-coming traffic…

Guest
Guest
Guest
5 years ago
Reply to  J

Doubt that is correct. Even if the police had that objection, it would not control what the Highway Departments chose to do.

Bozo
Guest
Bozo
5 years ago
Reply to  Gerry

>”Center dividers would save so many innocent lives…”

Yes, That is why CalTrans put center dividers on 101 Eureka – Fortuna and Eureka – McKinleyville.
Putting them on 101 would be a good investment.

But, dividers cost road tax $money$.
That is (apparently) money better spent on bum-trails.

Jeff Muskrat
Guest
Jeff Muskrat
5 years ago

I actually do blame the conditions of our highways on Caltrans. Why does Caltrans resurface highway stretches that were perfectly fine and ignore hazardous areas? Why the recent work Caltrans has been doing(when they actually are working and not just standing around shovel leaning) of so poor quality? I’m only talking about all the brand new resurfacing. Why is Caltrans new work on So Hum 101 so hazardously bumpy on curves and pools water worse than the old pavement? This isn’t simply just an attack against Caltrans, I’m seriously concerned.

Nancy J Harmeyer
Guest
Nancy J Harmeyer
5 years ago
Reply to  Jeff Muskrat

I agree our roads are “repaired” differently than even Trinity County…was impressed with the depth of the repairs…not just a little fix…even looks safer…hmmmm. Our roads change on their own, also. Bulges, dips, slip outs…besides water and Rocks from above…55 to 65 mph would be safer if ground underneath didn’t shift. ONE example….Hwy 36, driving East, coming into Hydesville, the corner at the Post Office…they had to FIX it, they did such a crappy job, if you weren’t slowed down to 35 the bump can throw the car around, so I go slower and peeps are up my Butt…and my car is fairly new…the ROADS do have an issue!

Jeff Muskrat
Guest
Jeff Muskrat
5 years ago

I agree this area is challenging for road construction and maintenance mainly due to terrain and soul composition. There are areas that are constantly moving, that blue goo being the main culprit. Much of the newest construction in so hum looked to be reinforcement to prevent further sliding. I’m not referring to that area. I’m referring to the Miranda area and Phillipsville sections where people are dying. Most people know to drive slow on surface streets during rain but most people expect to drive 65 on the highway on curves that should be relatively smooth. Most people expect a safe four lane state highway to drive on and if there are any rough road conditions, flood prone surfaces or curves that should be signed for a lowered speed, people expect those signs to exist. Just like everywhere else. I drive that section frequently enough to slow down for those hazards because I’ve almost crashed myself a few times. I’d like to see more signing for these hazards areas and less focus on speeding up traffic while ignoring safety.

TQM
Guest
TQM
5 years ago
Reply to  Jeff Muskrat

yes, lots of signing would probably help immensely.

nobody
Guest
nobody
5 years ago

please slow down.

Guest
Guest
Guest
5 years ago
Reply to  nobody

And don’t harass by tailgating someone who does slow down.

A
Guest
A
5 years ago
Reply to  nobody

Nobody,
spot on

CLAUDIA Johnson
Guest
CLAUDIA Johnson
5 years ago

I’ve never read so many comments about an accident before I have to agree with basically almost all of them it is the Driver’s Responsibility to drive slower and bad conditions but it’s also the responsibility of Caltrans to make sure our roads are in good shape and our roads are not dangerous I to send my condolences to the family please everyone slow down even if you think you know the roads which locals do we know where the Slowdown and where to be careful

Guest
Guest
Guest
5 years ago

Amen.

Guest
Guest
Guest
5 years ago

Once again, I feel very sorry for the innocent downhill driver who was doing everything right and fatally struck by someone who allowed their vehicle to leave their lane of travel and cross into oncoming traffic. My sincere condolences and RIP.

Big Bang
Guest
5 years ago

The pilot is responsible for the aircraft, the captain is responsible for the vessel, and the driver is responsible for the vehicle, period. That includes inspection, maintenance, repair, and operation. Also, consideration of the operational environment. Shit happens, and when shit does happen, the responsibility of said shit happening goes to the pilot, captain, or driver. Slow the fuck down, don’t overdrive your rig to the point of crashing, sinking, or falling out of the sky…

gunsmoke
Guest
gunsmoke
5 years ago
Reply to  Big Bang

Well said.

HumCoGrl
Guest
HumCoGrl
5 years ago

First of all if you don’t know the “captain ” of the vessel as some of you have said….THEN SHUT UP! An accident happened! He may of accidentally fallen asleep or accidentally couldn’t see clearly out of the windshield because of the rain. Or accidentally anything! Stop just assuming he was irresponsible! What if that was your father or husband this happened to?? Think about that. He’s also waking up to realize what happened. What if he holds that against himself? That’s damaging. Its VERY unfortunate what happened and so sad. But please quit making these horrible comments when you don’t even know the whole story. All you know is what the media has said. Thats all we have to go on. So please consider others first before the harsh and hurtful comments.

TQM
Guest
TQM
5 years ago
Reply to  Kym Kemp

Kym, not sure what you could do to be more clear about this being a press release. – it says it in big bold black letters at the top of the page. You are providing good public service by documenting all these “accidents”. If it wasn’t for your reporting, I wouldn’t know about these dangerous spots on 101.

TQM
Guest
TQM
5 years ago
Reply to  HumCoGrl

If people didn’t comment on these collisions on hwy. 101, nobody would be thinking/talking about this issue – and it is an ongoing issue that keeps repeating itself. And BTW – falling to sleep while behind the wheel is NOT an accident. It is negligence. No excuse for falling to sleep while driving. Either pull over and take a nap or don’t leave in the vehicle from wherever you are until you are well rested. I’ve pulled the car over and taken a 20-30 minute power nap in the car several times. It works.

Brian
Guest
Brian
5 years ago
Reply to  TQM

Reporting on stories is different than trauma victims reading uninformed vile from 100 commentors.

I’m very sympathetic at this point to victims, much more so than commentors.

Everyone can read the story and think about driving safe. If someone has pertinent info than they can email Kym.

I have stated that the easiest thing to do is just close comments in a category of articles that include local trauma victims.

But everyone is sick of my 2cents regarding comments, so I’ll leave it there.

HumCoGrl
Guest
HumCoGrl
5 years ago
Reply to  TQM

Really…. is that so? So nothing other then pure “negligence” would cause someone to fall asleep?
Your ignorant!!!!
I’ve known people to literally accidentally dose because of medical issues such as heart attack, scripts..(Yes they were prescribed for the patient)
Do not choose to be so ignorant

I like stars
Guest
I like stars
5 years ago
Reply to  HumCoGrl

If your prescription drugs affect your driving then you shouldn’t be driving. It is ALWAYS the driver’s responsibility to be in control of the vehicle. ALWAYS.

Brian
Guest
Brian
5 years ago
Reply to  I like stars

How to control a heart attack while you drive guidebook:

1)Don’t drive

Or

2)Don’t have a heart

Small book, but your damned if you follow either step.

HumCoGrl
Guest
HumCoGrl
5 years ago
Reply to  I like stars

I understand that but UNFORTUNATELY some scripts cause problems later on as they break down in your system. Just because someone isn’t showing any signs right away, they may think they are ok. Unfortunately thats not always the case. I’ve had scripts make me dizzy and nauseous hours later! I wasn’t expecting it either.
As far as heart attack….well most times their is no warning signs. It just happens. How would you go about addressing that?

A
Guest
A
5 years ago
Reply to  HumCoGrl

Humco,
agreed, it was an accident,

condolences to all parties.

shak
Guest
shak
5 years ago

R.I.P. nameless. Prayers & condolences for your loved ones.
Prayers for the survivors.
Prayers for all drivers.

Roniann
Guest
Roniann
5 years ago

It was accident the man your talking about is a good man he was comming from my sisters funeral he would never hurt anyone so lay off get a life he got badly hurt and his family don’t need to here that he’s a killer he’s not

HumCoGrl
Guest
HumCoGrl
5 years ago
Reply to  Roniann

Agreed! I’m sorry for your loss as well 🙁

Big Bang
Guest
5 years ago

I said nothing about irresponsibility, I clearly said responsible. As in, if you crash, sink, or fall out of the sky for whatever reason, i.e. falling asleep, wheel coming off, whatever, while you have sole control of your conveyance, than you are responsible… If not, than who is?

Truck Driver
Guest
Truck Driver
5 years ago

I think road conditions play a big part in a lot of accidents especially the ones at night and where there are adverse driving conditions such as rain, fog, darkness and on coming headlights. All of which make conditions harder to see. I was always taught that in these conditions to slow down and with oncoming headlights to look at the White line, the fog line. Well you can not usually see the fog line and if you can it’s usually not very far.
It used to be that you could see the curves in the road. For a good ways. Now you don’t see what’s coming up till you are in them. Even on a straight away you can’t see 50 ft ahead.
I drive truck for a living and I have told my kids if I am ever involved in a head–on or go over the bank in these conditions to sue anyone and everyone including the president, his brother, uncles, cousins whoever because the roads should be marked with better more see able lines. Whether it’s more reflective stuff in the paint or whatever it takes to make them safe. Yes I’m probably that truck going a little slower than you might want to go. Because I drive to what road conditions seem fit. Besides 5 mph an hour difference might safe your life.
I truly believe that could possibly be a big factor in a lot of these accidents. If you don’t think that is the case I invite you to come take a ride with me, you will see what I mean. Sorry to all those involved. I knew the outcome wasnt good when I passed this that night. RIP

Ullr Rover
Guest
Ullr Rover
5 years ago
Reply to  Truck Driver

Tires. It’s where the rubber meets the road.

I know driving a rig the dynamic is different with heavy loads, but I think with a typcal, unloaded light truck or car if the driver suddenly finds themselves needing to maneuver, even at 45 mph, they are in a high speed maneuver. Poor tires combined with less friction between rubber and road combined with an unaware driver and they are lucky to avoid catastrophe. And, of course, at 65mph the problem is compounded.

These roads are unforgiving out here.

think
Guest
think
5 years ago

slow down !