Lodi Man Dies When Motorcycle Strikes Median While Passing Honda

By Bay City News Service

A motorcyclist from Lodi died when he tried to pass a Honda in a no-passing zone on state Highway 12 in Solano County on Saturday evening, a California Highway Patrol officer said.

David Smith, 61, was one of two Harley Davidson riders who crossed over two sets of solid double-yellow lines to pass cars on eastbound Highway 12, east of Denverton Road between Fairfield and Rio Vista, around 6 p.m., CHP Officer Steven Deal said.

The two motorcyclists were attempting to pass at least three vehicles by driving in the westbound lanes, Deal said.

The first motorcycle passed an eastbound 1994 Honda Accord driven by Salvador Munguia, 48, of Fullerton, but Smith's 2008 Harley Davidson did not have enough room to pass the Honda and struck a center median, Deal said.

Smith, who was not wearing a helmet, was ejected from his bike, which then struck the left front bumper of the Honda and continued onto the right shoulder, Deal said.

Smith was pronounced dead at the scene. Munguia was not injured.

The first motorcyclist did not stop at the scene, and has not contacted the CHP, Deal said.

The highway was blocked in both directions until 6:45 p.m., and the eastbound lane was closed until 9:30 p.m. for cleanup and investigation, Deal said.

It is unknown whether drugs or alcohol were involved in the crash, Deal said.

Anyone with information about the crash is asked to call the CHP at (707) 428-2100.