4 injury accidents in 2 days; motorcyclist in stable condition

Several accident victims were rescued from an overturned vehicle at Murrieta Road and Murphy Ranch Road. (Photo by Robert Carter)

Motorists are being reminded to practice safe driving and drive defensively after four traffic collisions involving injuries in a two-day period in Menifee.

The most seriously injured was a 31-year-old man from San Jacinto who was ejected from his motorcycle, his body striking another vehicle, on westbound Newport Road just east of Antelope Road about 9:48 a.m. on Sunday, said Menifee Police Sergeant Matt Bloch. An investigation indicated the rider was splitting lanes as traffic began to slow and lost control of his motorcycle.

Bloch said Monday that the motorcyclist suffered severe head injuries but is in stable condition in ICU at a local hospital. A section of Newport Road was closed for several hours.

Then late Sunday afternoon, a two-vehicle collision at the intersection of Murrieta Road and Murphy Ranch Road resulted in one vehicle ending up on it roof. Seven people received minor injuries and there was a road closure in the area.

Two more accidents occurred on Newport Road on Monday. In mid-morning, there was a multi-vehicle collision at the intersection of Newport Road and Antelope Road. Some patients received minor injuries but no one was hospitalized. A few minutes later, a two-vehicle collision occurred at the intersection of Newport Road and Laguna Vista Drive. One person suffered minor injuries.

No other details were available.

Menifee Police Department reminds drivers not to use cell phones or otherwise be distracted while driving, to drive defensively, be aware of your surroundings, and obey posted speed limits.