Cyclist Critical After Hitting Dump Truck
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SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO — A 34-year-old Mission Viejo motorcyclist was in critical condition Thursday after he ran into the rear of a dump truck, California Highway Patrol officials said.
James Dryden Alexander was riding on Ortega Highway about six miles east of Interstate 5 when he hit the truck as it was turning in front of him into a private driveway, said Officer Bruce Lian.
CHP investigators “don’t suspect drunk driving or anything like that,” Lian said. “We think he just made a mistake.”
Investigators said the helmet that Alexander wore saved his life.
“Had he not had the helmet on he would have died, without a doubt,” Lian said.
The driver of the dump truck was not injured.
Alexander had internal injuries, a broken wrist and broken lower leg and was unconscious at Mission Hospital Regional Medical Center in Mission Viejo.
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