Bicyclist Injured In Freeway Collision With Car – February 23, 2012
Eye Staff Report
ARCATA – On Thursday, Feb. 23 at about 7:45 a.m., 47-year-old Kjerstine Anne Jennings of Eureka, was riding her bicycle, at an unknown speed, northbound on the east shoulder of U.S. 101 northbound, just south of the 11th Street over crossing in Arcata.
Forty-eight year old Timothy Allen Rice, of Eureka, was driving his 1994 Ford Thunderbird, at approximately 55 mph, northbound, in the US 101 northbound #3 lane (14th Street exit lane), just south of Jennings’ location. The shoulder Jennings was traveling on began to exit at 14th Street.
At the “gore point” – the triangular area between the off-ramp and the freeway lane – Jennings turned her bicycle into the #3 lane, directly into the path of Rice. Rice was unable to avoid striking the rear of Jennings’ bicycle.
The impact caused Jennings to be fully ejected from her bicycle. She came to rest on the roadway.
Jennings was wearing a helmet but still received a head injury. She was transported to the hospital. Rice was wearing his seatbelt and was not injured.
According to CHP spokesman Paul Dahlen, Jennings was taken to Mad River Community Hospital with major injuries, but soon transferred to Mercy Medical Center in Redding.
According to Dahlen, Rice saw Jennings look back over her shoulder to check for traffic, but she then turned back forward and turned into the path of his vehicle.
Dahlen said no charges will be filed in connection with the accident.
