High Desert CHP Officers Add Safety Measure After Crashes

MORONGO VALLEY – Twenty-six-year-oldMichael Hughes died November 11th off Highway 62 in Morongo Valley after his motorcycle clipped an SUV driven by an 86-year old George Martin.

It happened just down the road from Tamara Dean’s house. It’s not the first crash she’s seen on the road. It makes her nervous to live so close to the highway.

“I know I’ve avoided 2 accidents myself form someone pulling out in front of me coming up the road,” says Dean.

It’s a common problem along Highway 62. Drivers voiced their concern to the California Highway Patrol after several serious crashes last month. CHP added more officers on the road, waiting and watching for speeders. They’ve also installed a mobile speed tracking sign to remind drivers of the speed limit.

“When I’m driving down at 6 in the morning I see them sitting on the side of the road. So it’s nice to know they’re there,” says Dean.

The Highway Patrol is also considering adding a concrete divider along Highway 62. But you probably won’t see it for a while. The Highway Patrol is still planning the project with Cal-Trans. C.H.P. says the best safety measure is good drivers.

“They have to be diligent in paying attention to the speed of their vehicle, paying attention to cross traffic, making sure they buckle up and do not drink and drive,” says Rob McCloud, Public Information Officer with the CHP’s Morongo Basin station.

Annette Patterson drives from Yucca Valley to San Bernardino and says the commute can be scary especially as you head down the hill. “Coming down if you don’t watch it you’re call will just automatically Just zip right through it. You have to stay on the brake,” says Patterson.

And Dean wants to be ready if they don’t. She’ll move the large rocks from her backyard to her front yard so crashes like these don’t spill into her home.