Motorcyclist killed in HWY 74 crash

Roads are back open after a motorcyclist was killed in a wreck on Highway 74 in Palm Desert Friday morning.

It happened just after 7 a.m. at Bursera Way and shut down the highway, between Shadown Mountain Drive and Haystack Road, for seven hours with cars being detoured on side streets.

Deputies said the motorcyclist was leaving the Indian Creek Villas when he was hit by a truck heading south on Highway 74.

Drugs and alcohol were not involved, according to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Dept. The driver of the truck wasn’t hurt and cooperated with police.

Deputies remind drivers to be aware a motorcycle may look farther away than it actually is and it may also be difficult to judge a motorcycle’s speed. The department said motorcyclists should wear bright clothes and for them and drivers to always obey traffic laws.

Neighbors hope all drivers will slow down.

“Just remember even though it says highway, it’s still a residential area, people are going to be coming and going and just be mindful,” said Indian Creek resident Garrett Bradley.