Caltrans Investigating Fatal Newport Bike Crash

Caltrans officials have joined the investigation into the August death of cyclist Debra Deem in Newport Beach, to determine if any changes should be made to make the roadway safer, according to a report in Corona del Mar Today.

Deem, 58, of Laguna Beach was cycling westbound on Pacific Coast Highway, east of Newport Coast Drive, when she was hit by a white minivan on Aug. 28, police reported. Investigators from Caltrans attended this week's Bicycle Master Plan Oversight Committee meeting in Newport Beach, and said they are currently studying the roadway where Deem lost her life, CDM Today reported.
 
David Richardson, a Caltrans spokesman, said at the meeting that any changes to the roadway where the crash occurred may be implemented only after additional review and consideration, the CDM Today report said.

The Caltrans officials decided to attend the meeting after receiving hundreds of letters from concerned citizens.

Alcohol, drugs, and excessive speed were not a contributing factor in the crash that claimed Deem's life, police said, and it was not a hit-and run.

Newport Beach police said its investigation into the fatal bike crash remains underway, with no new information to be released.

Caltrans will not complete its investigation until the Newport Beach Police Department concludes its probe into the fatal crash.

Do you think road improvements should be made at the site of Debra Deem's fatal accident? Tell us in the comments.

Read the full story on Corona del Mar Today.

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