The stretch of Hwy 74 that runs from Palm Desert toward Mountain Center and then toward Idyllwild as Hwy 243, is a scenic paradise with views of both the desert floor and the pine trees and firs that greet you as you get closer to the Mountain Village of Idyllwild. Known as the Palms to Pines Highway, it is a magnet for motorcycle riders who love the challenge presented by the curves in the road that take them in both directions. It’s also a death trap for the unwary or inexperienced rider.
Too Many Motorcycle Injuries and Fatalities to Count
In early November, 2014, two unrelated motorcycle crashes occurred on the mountain roads of Hwy 74 and Hwy 243. In both accidents, the motorcyclists were killed. In the accident on Hwy 74, the motorcyclist lost control, crossed double yellow lines and hit a pickup truck head-on. In the second crash, the motorcyclist also lost control while failing to negotiate a curve. He then went into the dirt shoulder and hit a concrete fence.
On October 24, 2014, a motorcycle rider had just turned onto Hwy 74 when he was struck by a pickup and killed. It was the second crash involving a motorcycle in Palm Desert in less than two weeks,
the first one taking place on another roadway.
On August 17, 2014, a motorcyclist was killed in a crash with a vehicle in the narrow, winding switchbacks of Hwy 74 between Palm Desert and Vista Point that is so enticing for motorcycle riders.
On August 6, 2014, another motorcyclist was killed in a crash with another vehicle.
On May 29, 2014, yet another motorcycle rider suffered serious injuries on Hwy 74 when he crashed his bike.
April 27, 2014, still yet another motorcycle fatality on Hwy 74. This time the crash involves a motor home and a motorcycle. After the crash, the motor home becomes engulfed in fire. Only the motorcyclist is killed.
On February 27, 2014, a motorcyclist was severely injured when he crashed his motorcycle on Hwy 74.
It’s Not Just Motorcyclists Who Are Injured Or Lose Their Lives
On November 19, 2014, a three-vehicle collision occurred on Hwy 74 injuring four people near Vista Point, a lookout point not far from the desert floor. One person was in critical condition and had to be airlifted.
In a vehicle crash on September 1, 2013, both a woman in another car that was hit and the brother of the driver of the first car that was speeding were killed on Hwy 74.
On March 18, 2013, a vehicle crashed on Hwy 74 in Palm Desert and caught fire. One person was killed. Another was injured.
Just three days earlier, on November 16, 2014, three people were seriously injured on Hwy 74 in a two-vehicle collision.
Watch Out For The Bighorn Sheep
On June 30, 2014, a motorcycle crash occurred when a bighorn sheep entered the roadway. Struck by a motorcyclist, the ram suffered two broken hind legs and a broken hip and had to euthanized. Upon impact, the motorcycle slid into the oncoming lanes and collided with a car. The motorcycle rider suffered minor injuries.
The same day, another ram drowned in the Coachella Canal near Lake Cahuilla in La Quinta where the sheep will make their way onto the golf course at the SilverRock Resort in La Quinta and in a number of different areas where they like to cross.
Just a day earlier, on June 29, 2014, a motorcyclist was killed on Hwy 74 when he failed to negotiate a turn and rode slid his bike under an oncoming minivan.
Going Over The Side of the Mountain
Recently, on December 21, 2014, two vehicles went off the road on Hwy 74 and plunged into a ravine. Both vehicles overturned as they went off the road and approximately 50 to 70 feet down the side of the mountain.
On October 25, 2012, a motorcycle rider went off the side of the roadway on Hwy 74 and after falling about 50 feet, managed to only break his arm.
Some years back, the driver of a car that was low on gas, decided in order to save gas, he would turn off the engine and coast. What he failed to realize, was that without the engine turned on, the power steering would not work. He and those in his car also went off the side of the mountain but also survived.
Why People Take The Risk
The speed limit is 55 mph in some areas but slows to 30 on some of the turns. Slower drivers who fail to use turnouts are often passed by riders and drivers in the oncoming lane of traffic who are in more of a hurry and are taking the route to save time.
The drive between San Diego and Palm Desert is much shorter and quicker by taking Hwy 74 for part of the trip than other routes, and the scenery is far more beautiful. The mountain views and the view of the desert floor are spectacular. Drivers, for the most part, know the risks. But for some, it’s the risks as well, that make the ride exciting. And for some of those, the excitement ends far too suddenly.
If you need a personal injury lawyer for a motorcycle accident on Hwy 74, or an injury you received in a car, truck, motorcycle, bicycle or pedestrian accident in Palm Springs, Palm Desert, any other city within the Coachella Valley, Orange County, or anywhere on the coast of California, inland or in the desert, call Attorney Sebastian Gibson at (760) 776-1810 or toll free at (855) WHAT NOW. Put the experience of our law firm on your side and protect your rights.
