Death Vally National Park is asking visitors to exercise more caution on roadways in the wake of four serious car crashes in recent weeks.
The latest occurred last Monday, when a motorist drifted into oncoming traffic on CA-190 east of Stovepipe Wells, causing a head-on collision.
Two people were air-lifted to a nearby hospital with serious injuries. Three others were transported by ambulance with moderate injuries.
The collision, involving a Kia Optima and Chevrolet Malibu, occurred in the evening.
According to a park news release issued Thursday, 11 visitors have been injured and one person was killed in recent traffic accidents inside the park.
Additionally, one motorist was killed and seven others were injured as a result of a head-on collision Dec. 20 on CA-190, just east of the park.
The park stated in the news release: “Winter is an exceptional time to visit Death Valley and the park received extremely high visitation over the Christmas and New Years weeks.
“Park staff remind visitors to wear their seat belts, drive within the speed limit, pass only when safe, and be courteous to other drivers on the road.”
–Images showing Death Valley National Park and the aftermath of recent crashes on CA-190 are courtesy of the National Park Service and California Highway Patrol