Cyclist Critical After Hitting Dump Truck
A 34-year-old Mission Viejo motorcyclist was in critical condition Thursday after he ran into the rear of a dump truck, California Highway Patrol officials said.
James Dryden Alexander was riding on Ortega Highway about six miles east of Interstate 5 when he hit the truck as it was turning in front of him into a private driveway, said Officer Bruce Lian.
CHP investigators “don’t suspect drunk driving or anything like that,” Lian said. “We think he just made a mistake.”
Investigators said the helmet that Alexander wore saved his life.
“Had he not had the helmet on he would have died, without a doubt,” Lian said.
The driver of the dump truck was not injured.
Alexander had internal injuries, a broken wrist and broken lower leg and was unconscious at Mission Hospital Regional Medical Center in Mission Viejo.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
