Vehicle falls 200 feet but driver OK

A New Cuyama man was injured Monday morning when his car drifted off Highway 166 near Tepusquet Road and plummeted 200 feet down an embankment, according to the California Highway Patrol.

Kenneth Pierce, 66, was heading west on Highway 166 around 9:45 a.m. in his 2006 Mazda at 55 mph, which is the speed limit, when for unknown reasons his car swayed to the right and went through a barbed wire fence, officials said.

His car then careened down the embankment before landing in the river bed, officials said.

Even though the cause of the accident is still under investigation, officials do not suspect alcohol or any illegal substances are to blame.

“Most likely he lost attention on his driving or he dozed off,” said Sgt. John Ploetz of the CHP's office in Santa Maria.

Pierce was traveling alone and was wearing his seat belt, Ploetz said.

He suffered moderate injuries in the crash and was airlifted to Marian Medical Center by Mercy Air, officials said.

“His injuries were not all that bad,” Ploetz said.

“He got pretty lucky.”

He was treated at the emergency room and was discharged shortly after 4:30 p.m., hospital staff said.

Kimberlina Rocha can be reached at

739-2216 or krocha@santamariatimes.com.

April 3, 2007