Man killed in crash on Highway 99 in Tulare County, CHP says
Officers say it was raining at the time of the crash, and slick roads could've played a factor.
TULARE COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) -- A man has died following a crash in Tulare County early Tuesday morning.
Around 4:30 am Tuesday, the California Highway Patrol responded to a crash on Highway 99 just north of Avenue 200 in Tulare.
The driver of a truck was in the fast lane when he veered to the left and overturned.
The driver, a Fresno County man in his early 20s, did not survive.
"For unknown reasons, the driver drifted into the center divider where it lost control, landing on its roof and then slid to a stop in that center divider," Johnny Woodrow with the California Highway Patrol.
The man was wearing his seatbelt, but officers say it was raining at the time, and slick roads could've played a factor.
They do not believe drugs or alcohol were involved.
"Regardless of the weather conditions, speed always ends up being a factor some in crashes, and when you are talking about the wet roadway, it only makes it that much more difficult to break and steer your vehicle," said Woodrow.
Across Tulare County roads, driving conditions were also unfavorable.
Flooded areas on the outskirts of town can catch drivers by surprise.
"When you have a lot of flooding, you can't see from edge to edge on the roadway. Yes, it could get deep, and we always remind the public to be very careful when you do go through there," said John Wong, a Tulare County engineer.
Tulare County officials say once the weather starts clearing up, road repairs and clean-up will begin.
The county says although there are no roads closed at the time that can change at any moment.
CHP officers and county officials are urging people to drive safely and slow down.
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