A spot where a road intersects with Highway 395 south of Big Pine has seen two vehicle accidents in the course of a week.

On Saturday, a Chino man drove his Silverado pick up out of Black Rock Springs road onto Highway 395 to drive south. John Gable of Big Pine was at the wheel of his Honda, driving northbound on 395 in the same vicinity.

According to the Highway Patrol, Jason Schumacher of Chino drove into the path of the Honda. Mr. Gable veered to the right to try to avoid a collision but couldn’t. The left front of his car hit the left rear of the truck.

The impact tore the wheel and tire off of the Honda. The pick up came to rest partially blocking the northbound lane of 395. The Independence Volunteer ambulance crew drove Mr. Gable and his passenger to Southern Inyo Hospital with complaints of pain. No one in the truck was injured.

A very similar accident took place last Tuesday in the very same location. The CHP said in that incident a Fish and Game truck pulled out of Black Rock Springs Road, onto the highway and into the path of an oncoming car, driven by a Bishop woman. There were injuries among those in the car.

Officials have suggested that the highway widening project in the area has possibly turned that intersection more dangerous. It’s an opportunity to remind the traveling public that there is a project from just north of Independence to Poverty Hills which requires slow-going and careful attention.

In another part of the Sierra, another wreck. This time in front of Highlands Mobile Home Park.

The CHP said that 95 year old Martina Orihuela of Bishop was turning from MacGregor onto Highway 395. Officers said that 58 year old Norman Coffman of Bishop was driving northbound. The CHP said Ms. Orihuela drove into the path of the oncoming car. Coffman tried to avoid the collision but the frot of his pick up struck the left front of the car which continued across 395 and hit a tree. There were no serious injuries. Mrs. Orihuela was taken to Northern Inyo Hospital with a complaint of pain.