Car crashes into Bear Creek, driver unhurt

MERCED -- A 19-year-old man was unhurt Friday evening after crashing his car into Bear Creek, near East North Bear Creek Drive at Forist Lane, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The crash was reported before 9 p.m. and the car was resting in the creek on its side when emergency personnel arrived. That section of the creek had some standing water, but was mostly dry.

The driver reported he was traveling eastbound on East North Bear Creek in his Honda Civic. The driver stated he was driving about 40 mph as he approached a curve in the road. “(The driver) said he was slowing down, but he felt like the rear of the vehicle began to lose traction and start sliding. At that point he applied his brakes, causing him to lose control,” CHP Officer Mike Flores told the Sun-Star.

Flores said the driver then overcorrected, and the vehicle left the roadway and traveled into the creek. First responders arrived at the scene shortly thereafter. The driver was able to get out of the vehicle on his own, and climbed out of the creek on a ladder extended by emergency personnel.

“He was a little shaken up. He wasn’t complaining of pain or anything though,” Flores said.

The driver spoke with law enforcement and was able to leave after shortly thereafter. Flores said DUI was not a factor in the crash.

Flores advised motorists to use care, particularly with the slick roads. “Slow down in the rain and the wet weather,” he said.

Merced police and the Merced Fire Department also responded to the scene.

This story was originally published December 12, 2014 at 9:56 PM with the headline "Car crashes into Bear Creek, driver unhurt."