On afternoon of Tuesday March 5, what appears to be a two-vehicle collision all but shut down the Pacific Coast Highway for almost an hour, by the 1500 block, close to the California Incline.
While an official Santa Monica Police Department crash report is still pending, a blue sports modified Honda Civic drove into the back of a silver-colored Volvo, causing significant traffic blockages in both directions and gridlock along Ocean Avenue.
The position of the two vehicles suggest that the Volvo was attempting to turn left into Parking Lot 3 North, a hazardous undertaking at the best of times. Damage to the Honda seemed more severe because the front end of the vehicle is designed to deliberately crumple to absorb impact energy, thus protecting the occupants. It's not known if the driver was speeding.
Thankfully, it didn't appear that anyone was seriously hurt and both the Police and Fire Departments were able to clear the scene relatively quickly. Witnesses have told the Daily Press that in fact more vehicles were involved in the incident, but this has yet to be confirmed.
The Pacific Coast Highway is a hotbed for car accidents and tragically, traffic-related fatalities. Among the most significant was in October of last year, where four Pepperdine students lost their lives due to a speeding motorist.
We will post more information as soon as it becomes available.
scott.snowden@smdp.com