(Photos above and below by Mark McKenna. Click to enlarge.)

UPDATE, 3:17 p.m.: News Channel 3’s Lashay Wesley reports that the pedestrian struck this morning on south Broadway has died. Click here for more.

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Eureka Police Department press release:

On the morning of January 28, 2014, the Eureka Police Department (EPD) responded to two significant traffic collisions including one on northbound Highway 101 at Herrick Avenue and another on the 4300 block of south Broadway.  Multiple vehicles were involved in the first collision in which unsafe speed for the wet conditions appeared to be a factor.  This collision was ultimately investigated by the California Highway Patrol.  

The second collision involved a vehicle versus pedestrian on Broadway during heavy morning commute traffic. A white Dodge Ram 2500 pick-up truck, being driven by a 60-year-old Arcata resident, was traveling southbound on Broadway across from Lithia Chrysler Dodge when it struck an older male pedestrian who was attempting to cross the highway. The pedestrian received major, life-threatening injuries and was transported to Saint Joseph Hospital by ambulance.  The cause of this collision is still under investigation at this time and EPD does not have an update on the victim’s condition.

EPD’s Traffic Operations Section would like to remind motorists to be extra careful while driving in winter weather conditions such as the rain experienced along the coast today.  Driving too fast for conditions is the number one cause of preventable traffic collisions during times of inclement weather.  

Motorists are urged to slow down, be prepared for the unexpected, maintain extra following distance between other vehicles, keep their eyes on the road at all times, and eliminate driver distractions (such as cell phones, reading, eating, personal grooming, reaching for objects, applying make-up etc.).  

In addition to being extra cautious while driving, motorists should also take steps to prepare their vehicle for inclement winter weather.  Recommended vehicle preparedness steps include:

• Keep tires at manufacturer’s recommended pressure and routinely check tire pressure and wear.  
• Make sure the windshield washer fluid reservoir is filled.
• Replace worn windshield wiper blades.
• Periodically check all lights and replace when needed.  
• Have your brakes inspected and replaced when necessary.  

PREVIOUSLY: Multiple Car Crashes South of Eureka

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(NOTE: Some of the photos below contain graphic imagery that may disturb some.)

The next set of photos are from the accident that occurred farther south on 101.