UPDATE: CHP identifies Salinas man killed in Highway 101 crash Monday morning
UPDATE 8/3/15 3:38 p.m.: One man was killed in a crash on Highway 101 at Hartnell Rd. Monday morning after making a u-turn, according to California Highway Patrol. Officers confirmed the victim in the crash was Julio Alejandro Aguilar, 49, of Salinas.
Officers said the man, driving a Honda Civic, died at the scene. He decided to make a u-turn from the southbound side of Highway 101 at Hartnell Rd. into northbound traffic and was hit by an oncoming Ford Explorer, officers said.
Three people were inside the Explorer, including Elvia Ninodorantes, 49, Salvador Romero, 46 and a 17-year-old. Ninodorantes and the 17-year-old were taken to the hospital as a precaution, officers said.
CHP said officers do not believe drugs or alcohol were a factor in the crash. Since u-turns are legal on Highway 101 in that area, CHP asks drivers to be wise and wait for an opportunity to make a turn.
“Most people are used to making u-turns of surface streets,” Officer Oscar Loza said.
“Like city streets, where the speed limit is 35-45. At this location, the speed limit is 65. So while you think you have enough room to make a u-turn, the vehicles coming towards you are going a lot faster. Many people don’t perceive that speed. They believe they have more time to conduct the u-turn than they actually do.”
Accidents like this are all too familiar further north on Highway 101 in areas like Prunedale — earning the nickname “Blood Alley.”
Over the years, Caltrans removed u-turns and left hand turn lanes, creating brand new overpasses in a few areas. As for plans like that south of Salinas, Caltrans said there’s nothing in the works at this time.
UPDATE 8/3/15 9:10 a.m.: Officers with California Highway Patrol said one person was killed in a crash during the morning commute in Salinas on Highway 101.
Officers said a driver in a Honda traveling southbound, decided to make a u-turn through the center divide, and crashed into oncoming northbound traffic.
Several other people were sent to the hospital.
PREVIOUS STORY: A fatal car accident on Highway 101 south at Hartnell Road has slowed down this morning’s commute, said California Highway Patrol.
Officers responded to the multiple car accident, just south of Salinas, shortly before 7:30 this morning.
CHP asks that drivers take precaution as they drive through the area but do say that traffic is flowing.
News Channel 5 has a crew on its way and will update this story.
