Last Updated on May 19, 2022 by CCAR Staff
MORENO VALLEY — A motorist killed in a crash that authorities say was triggered when he tried to go around traffic in a no-passing zone north of Moreno Valley was identified Wednesday.
Daniel Reyes, 47, of Moreno Valley was fatally injured at about 1:30 p.m. Tuesday on San Timoteo Canyon Road, near Live Oak Canyon Road, roughly halfway between Moreno Valley and Redlands, according to the Riverside County coroner’s office.
California Highway Patrol Officer Jason Montez said Reyes was at the wheel of a 2000 Honda Accord going eastbound on San Timoteo when he encountered a slower-moving 2021 GMC Sierra just ahead of him.
Montez said Reyes “attempted to pass (the pickup) and crossed over the double yellow lines into oncoming traffic.”
As he attempted to go around the GMC, Reyes encountered a 2022 Toyota Camry approaching from the opposite direction, prompting the victim to swerve back into the eastbound lane, where the Honda struck the pickup, according to Montez.
The impact caused the Honda to veer back into the path of the Toyota, hitting it on the left front side in the middle of the two-lane corridor, the CHP spokesman said.
Riverside County Fire Department crews arrived within a few minutes and pronounced Reyes dead at the scene.
The Toyota driver, identified only as a 50-year-old Calimesa man, was taken to Riverside University Medical Center in Moreno Valley for treatment of minor injuries. He is expected to fully recover.
The pickup driver, identified only as a 23-year-old Newport Beach man, was not hurt.
Both sides of San Timoteo Canyon were shut down between Live Oak Canyon Road to the north and Redlands Boulevard to the south until about 4 p.m. Tuesday, while the CHP conducted a preliminary investigation.
Montez said alcohol or drugs have not been ruled out as possible factors in the crash.
