Oceano Dunes rider airlifted to hospital after rollover crash
A rollover crash at the Oceano Dunes on Friday sent the an ATV rider to the hospital in a helicopter, according to California State Parks.
The 59-year-old man was riding a rental ATV at the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area at about 11 a.m. on Friday, State Parks ranger Kevin Pearce said.
The man was driving about 15 mph when he rolled down a 40-foot sand dune in the Independence Area of the park, he said.
The driver suffered obvious injuries and complained of pain before being airlifted to Marian Regional Medical Center in Santa Maria, Pearce said.
Speed is considered a primary factor in the crash, while drugs and alcohol are not considered a factor, he Pearce.
Stephanie Zappelli
The Tribune