Crash victim ID'd as Bakersfield man

By Sam Womack/Staff Writer

The sports-car driver who died in a head-on collision with a big rig on Highway 166 east of Santa Maria earlier this week was identified Wednesday as a 41-year-old Bakersfield man.

Charles McAtee, who was thrown from a 2007 Chevrolet Corvette when he collided with a semi truck in the opposite lane, was transported to Marian Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries, according to the California Highway Patrol.

McAtee was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident, which occurred at about 2:30 p.m. Tuesday east of Tepusquet Canyon Road, the CHP said

The driver of the semi truck, Kenneth Wheeler of Illinois, suffered minor injuries.

Highway 166 was closed at Highway 101 on the west and Highway 33 on the east after the crash until approximately 7 p.m., when one lane was reopened.

McAtee was headed east when he crossed into the lane of oncoming traffic after failing to negotiate a curve on the highway, according to the CHP accident report.

Wheeler was unable to avoid colliding with the Corvette, and the Peterbilt semi truck jackknifed, causing the trailer to block both lanes of the highway.

Highway 166 is a widely-used, scenic two-lane and mostly curvy rural thoroughfare that runs from Kern County to Guadalupe.

Over the years, Highway 166 has been the location of numerous fatal accidents, and last year the California Highway Patrol, Caltrans and regional planning and community organizations joined together to increase safety on the road.

Law enforcement agencies recommended Highway 166 drivers turn on their vehicle lights, always drive sober, fasten seat belts, and go easy on the acceleration.

Sam Womack can be reached at 739-2218 or swomack@santamariatimes.com.

May 8, 2008

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