Local man injured in single vehicle accident

Redwood Times

Driver Robert Allan Mahood, age 86, of Redway was driving his 1998 Toyota Camry sedan southbound on U.S. 101 north of Redway at around 2 p.m. last Monday, April 21. He was returning from a trip to Eureka and was in the right lane traveling at the posted speed limit, or below.

Mahood apparently fell asleep and failed to negotiate a sweeping left curve, allowing the car to run off the west roadway edge. He most likely woke up realizing he had run off the road and onto a gravel covered pullout area. He turned the vehicle abruptly to the left, causing the Camry to spin out of control on the loose gravel. The vehicle continued in a southwesterly direction for approximately 300 feet before descending an embankment for approximately another 370 feet. It is believed the car flipped end over end and finally came to rest approximately 40 feet below the roadway and approximately 85 feet west of U.S. 101.

Mahood was wearing his seatbelt and the driver and passenger airbags deployed, which contributed to his minor injuries and possibly saving his life. He sustained minor to moderate contusions and complained of pain during the incident. He was transported by ambulance to Jerold Phelps Community Hospital in

Garberville where he was examined, finding no serious injuries.

The collision is under investigation at this time. No alcohol or drugs are suspected in this accident.

Witnesses Russell Bowles and Delia J. Bowles of Eureka were traveling near the location and witnessed the accident. They stopped and began flagging down assistance, who called emergency medical, rescue, and the CHP.