CHP NEWS

November 5, 2009       &nb sp;       &nbs p;         ;                 & nbsp;       &n bsp;       &nb sp;       &nbs p;         ;                 & nbsp;       &n bsp;       &nb sp;       

On November 4, 2009 at approximately 2:35 PM  a 1995 Ford Windstar Van driven by Douglas Weaver (63 year old male, Arcata, CA) was traveling westbound on State Route 58.  Scott Maddison (48 year old male, Coalinga, CA) was traveling eastbound on State Route 58 in a 2001 Peterbuilt tractor pulling a trailer loaded with 42,000 pounds of sodium hydrochloride (salt).  As Weaver was approaching Clay Mine Road he abruptly and for no apparent reason steered his vehicle to the left, crossing over the center median and entering the eastbound lanes of State Route 58.  Maddison attempted to avoid the vehicle traveling the wrong way but was not able to.  The tractor trailer combination collided with Weaver’s vehicle.  As a result of the collision, the tractor trailer combination overturned on its right side.  The truck driver (Maddison) was wearing his seatbelt and sustained no apparent injuries.  Mr Weaver was wearing his seatbelt and sustained critical injuries as a result of this collision.  Weaver was transported to Kern Medical Center by Mercy Air medical helicopter.

It is suspected that Mr Weaver was driving his vehicle while under the influence of Alcohol/ and or Drugs and this is being investigated as the cause of the collision .  

Responding personnel from the Kern County Fire Department, Hall Ambulance, Mercy Air, Caltrans, and the California Highway Patrol all assisted at the collision scene.