Driver survives head-on collision on Highway 18

By DOUGLAS W. MOTLEY

Senior Writer

A yet-to-be identified motorist, who was involved in a head-on collision in the Narrows segment of Highway 18 around 5 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 1, was transported to an area hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

According to California Highway Patrol (CHP) Public Information Officer Devin Julien-Rohman, no citation was issued, pending determination of the cause of the accident, which is under investigation.

An eyewitness told the Alpine Mountaineer that traffic was tied up in both directions for about 30 minutes while authorities scoured the scene for evidence or clues.

Although a Nissan Sentra involved in the incident suffered extensive front-end damage, Officer Julien-Rohman was reluctant to speculate on whether unsafe speed was a factor.  The accident occurred on a blind curve, with a turnout nearby and one car in the opposite lane, according to an eyewitness at the scene. The undriveable Nissan had to be towed away, while the Jeep Gladiator was able to be driven away.

Anyone who witnessed the collision is asked to contact the Running Springs office of the California Highway Patrol at (909) 867-2791.