Last Updated on August 25, 2022 by C-CAR
A 47-year-old Perris resident died Wednesday night, Aug. 24, when his car rolled over several times after what the California Highway Patrol described as a “road rage” collision on the 15 Freeway in Temecula.
The crash was reported at 8:47 p.m. in the southbound lanes north of Winchester Road.
The dead man, whose name had not been announced as of Thursday afternoon, was not wearing a seat belt and was ejected through his Chevrolet Malibu’s sunroof, said Officer Mike Lassig, a CHP spokesman.
The driver of the other car, a Lexus GS 450h sedan, was not injured, Lassig said. He was not under the influence, Lassig added.
That man, a 38-year-old San Diego resident, told RVCNEWS, a freelance videographer, that he was trying to pass the Malibu but that it cut him off and flashed his brake lights at him. The Lexus driver said the Malibu eventually changed lanes and sideswiped him twice.
Lassig said the preliminary investigation, based on witness statements, “suggests the two drivers engaged each other in a speed contest and took turns sideswiping each other until losing control.”
Both cars spun out, the Malibu striking a guardrail and overturning, Lassig said.
No arrests have been announced. The CHP will work with the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office to determine if any charges should be filed.
Lassig urged drivers not to engage anyone who is exhibiting signs of road rage, even when there is temptation to seek revenge.
“It’s not worth it. Look at the potential. Somebody could die,” he said.
It’s better to pull over to a safe location and call 911, he said.
The CHP asked anyone who witnessed this event to call 951-506-2000.
