Boulder on Road Shoulder Struck by Motorcycle
On the afternoon of Sunday, July 4, 2021, a 37-year-old Oakland man, later identified by the El Dorado County Coronor as Clifford Florio, suffered fatal injuries while riding a motorcycle. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP) report, the incident took place on Lotus Road in the Placerville area. The man appears to have struck a boulder alongside the road.
Details of the Accident
Mr. Florio had been riding his 2010 BMW motorcycle in a northbound direction on Lotus Road shortly before 2:00 p.m. For reasons still unknown and currently under investigation, the bike then veered onto the dirt shoulder on the east side of Lotus while it began traversing the curved section at Sierra Rock Road. Mr. Florio crossed Sierra Rock and struck one of a number of boulders that line the side of the road at the Lotus Road intersection.
The Investigation is Ongoing
As of July 8th, the incident was still under investigation. The speed at which Mr. Florio was traveling has not been released, and the weather was not a factor. According to CHP Placerville, drugs and/or alcohol have not yet been ruled out as a causative factor in the fatal incident.
Rocks in the Road
The report on this tragic accident indicates that Mr. Florio left the roadway and encountered danger on the road’s shoulder. Sometimes, however, rocks and other obstacles can enter the actual roadway, creating a hazard for motorists, and especially motorcyclists.
Rocks do not even have to be large boulders to cause an accident. Common road hazards for motorcyclists are loose gravel and small stones. Even for operators of passenger vehicles, loose gravel or stones in the road can cause a vehicle to lose traction and control. This condition often presents itself in areas undergoing road construction. Not only do loose stones and gravel constitute a danger related to traction, but they are also often kicked up and sent airborne, which can then cause an accident or injuries to motorcyclists, pedestrians, or bicyclists.
Rockslides
The most terrifying scenario for a motorist involving unexpected rocks in the road is a rockslide that occurs in mountain passes. If a rockslide happens during the night, there may be large boulders in the middle of the road of which motorists are completely unaware until they crash into them. There is also the less common, but just as frightening thought of a tumbling mountain boulder crashing into the roof or windshield of a passing vehicle.
July 8th California Rockslide
Northern California near the Nevada border experienced a rockslide on July 8, 2021, which was caused by an earthquake. A 6.0 magnitude quake with an epicenter in Mono County struck at around 3:50 p.m. The rumbler ultimately resulted in the closure of U.S. 395 from the California 182 in Mono County to the Nevada state line because of a rockslide in Walker Canyon. No damage was reported related to the rockslide.
Watch the YouTube video. The clip below captures the rockslides in Mono County on July 8, 2021.
Placerville Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Hello, and thanks for reading our report on this tragic Lotus Road fatality. My name is Ed Smith, and I am a Placerville motorcycle accident attorney. There are many types of road hazards facing motorcyclists, the most common of which is the negligence of other motorists. If you have suffered injuries in an accident caused by the carelessness or recklessness of another, our team of experienced injury lawyers can help. Call us at (530) 392-9400 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400 to receive free and friendly legal advice. You may also send your inquiry via our website.
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