ERRANT DRIVER COLLIDES WITH CHP PATROL VEHICLE

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — On January 22nd at approximately 6:14 pm, San Gorgonio Pass CHP Officer Ray Lamas and a CHP Explorer ride-along were assisting another CHP officer at the scene of a traffic collision on Gilman Springs Road, just east of Bridge Street. After their assistance was no longer needed, Officer Lamas and the Explorer returned to their patrol vehicle to leave. Before leaving the right-hand shoulder, Officer Lamas and the Explorer fastened their
seatbelts and were discussing the previous collision.

At this time, a 2006 Ford F-150 driven by a 30-year-old man from Hemet, CA approached from the east toward slowed traffic from the previous incident. The preliminary investigation indicates the driver of the Ford was traveling at an unsafe speed for the prevailing traffic conditions, causing him to lose control of his vehicle as he attempted to brake. The Ford lost traction with the roadway and began spinning clockwise.


The Ford then struck the right rear of a 2014 Nissan Altima driven by a 25-year-old woman from San Jacinto, CA. The Ford continued off the right side of the road and onto the right-hand shoulder where it struck the left rear of the CHP patrol vehicle occupied by Officer Lamas and the Explorer. Officer Lamas and the CHP Explorer were transported to Riverside University Health Systems
Medical Center for precautionary reasons. Both were released a short time later with no injuries.

The drivers of the Ford and Nissan were both evaluated at the scene and released with no injuries. Alcohol or drugs were ruled out as contributing factors to this collision. We are grateful that no one was injured in this collision, however, this is a stern reminder that complacency can be deadly. Never assume that your commute will be the same every day.


Always be prepared for the unexpected. The minute you relax is the minute you won’t be ready for a hazard, vehicle, pedestrians, or debris in your path. STAY ALERT! For further information and/or questions, please contact Public Information Officer Matt Napier
at (951) 769-2000 or after hours at (916) 407-7511.