Motorcyclist Who Crashed On Ortega Highway Dies From Injuries

LAKE ELSINORE, CA — A motorcyclist who crashed over the weekend on the Ortega Highway (state Route 74) west of Lake Elsinore and was airlifted to Wildomar's Inland Valley Medical Center for treatment did not survive his injuries, the California Highway Patrol reported Monday morning.

The 60-year-old male motorcyclist, whose identity was not released, crashed on the winding highway — just west of Monte Vista Street near El Cariso Village — at approximately 12:15 p.m. Saturday, the CHP reported.

A crash investigation showed the motorcyclist was heading east on the highway and, due to his speed, was unable to negotiate a curve, according to the CHP.

He was ejected from his 2003 Honda after the bike went across the westbound traffic lane and onto a dirt embankment, the agency reported.

No other vehicles were involved. The motorcyclist was the only person on the bike.

The CHP Temecula Area office reminds the motoring public to use a "high visual horizon" or "HVH." Lack of good HVH is a leading cause of many crashes because a driver can't see objects ahead until it is too late, according to the agency.

"Using a high visual horizon will allow the operator to safely adjust to a safe speed that can traverse safely through a curve or have the ability to avoid stopped traffic ahead or debris in the roadway," the CHP reported.

The weekend crash remains under investigation by the CHP.