Update: Details on head-on collision on Highway 4 in Stanislaus County that killed driver
A 19-year-old man from Brentwood who reportedly was speeding and crossing solid double yellow lines to pass other vehicles was killed in a crash Saturday night in northern Stanislaus County, the California Highway Patrol reported.
The head-on collision on two-lane Highway 4 east of Dunton Road also injured a man and boy from Arnold.
According to a CHP news release, the crash was about 6 p.m. The Brentwood man was behind the wheel of a 2013 Chevrolet Cruze going west on Highway 4.
Driver David McLaughlin, 50, was eastbound in a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado, going about 60 mph. Riding with him was 13-year-old Jace McLaughlin, CHP Officer Tom Olsen told The Bee on Sunday morning.
As the Cruze driver was overtaking another vehicle, crossing the lines into the eastbound lane, he abruptly turned to the right driving back into his lane, the CHP said. He then overcorrected, and the Cruze swerved back into the lane of oncoming traffic, right into the path of the Silverado.
McLaughlin hit his brakes and swerved right to try to avoid the crash, but could not, the CHP reported.
Vehicle 1 to the left, across solid double yellow lines, directly into the path of the approaching Vehicle 2. Party 2 applied the brakes to Vehicle 2 and swerved to the right, in an attempt to avoid a collision. The front of Vehicle 1 collided with the front of Vehicle 2.
The Brentwood driver was pronounced dead at the scene by Modesto Fire Department personnel, the CHP said. He was not wearing his seat belt.
David McLaughlin suffered abrasions and complained of pain. The CHP release listed his injuries as minor.
Jace McLaughlin also suffered abrasions that were considered minor injuries.
According to the CHP log, David McLaughlin reported the Cruze caught fire with its driver trapped inside. He said said the driver had no pulse.
Olsen said passing motorists stopped to pour water and shovel dirt on the Cruze to extinguish the flames. The driver was burned but “he did not die from the fire,” the officer said.
Highway 4 was closed by Caltrans until 9:20 p.m., Olsen said.
The CHP is investigating whether alcohol and/or drugs factored in the collision.
This story was originally published October 31, 2021 at 7:03 AM.
