OAKHURST – A two vehicle accident on Road 426 at Highview Drive blocked the roadway and sent one woman to the hospital this afternoon.
Shortly after 3 p.m. on Friday, May 31, James Yuill, 66, of Oakhurst, known as “Papa Smurf” to his friends, was headed into town to do some shopping.
Yuill was making a left turn onto Road 426 from Highview Drive in a 2005 Chevy Impala, when he collided with a1994 Ford Explorer, driven by Justin Bahr, 51, also of Oakhurst, that was eastbound on 426.
Yuill said he thought he had plenty of time to make the turn, but that the Explorer must have been approaching faster than he thought. The Impala struck the Explorer in the passenger side between the wheels.
CHP officer Chris Lutz did not indicate that Bahr had been speeding. Lutz explained that anyone entering a roadway from a stop sign has the obligation to cede the right of way to oncoming traffic, and be prudent in judging the speed at which they are approaching.
Rebecca Knapik, who lives across the road from Highview, was taking out her garbage cans when she heard the crash.
“This road is so dangerous,” she said. “It’s so busy, and everyone drives too fast. I hear people locking up their brakes all the time. I only check my mail at night because it’s like Russian roulette just to cross the road to get to the mailbox.”
No citations will be issued in connection with the accident.
The passenger in the Explorer, Tammie Bahr, was transported by Sierra Ambulance to the hospital complaining of pain in her neck and right arm.
Madera County Fire Engine #12 and Squad #12 responded, and the roadway was closed intermittently as the scene was cleared.
