TEMECULA — A man was killed early Monday in a single-vehicle crash on State Route 371 near Happy Valley Road, authorities said.
The California Highway Patrol said it received a 911 call about 1:43 a.m. reporting an overturned 2000 Toyota Camry blocking lanes on SR-371. When CHP officers and Cal Fire crews arrived, they found the vehicle overturned and a male adult lying outside the car. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators said the driver had been traveling southbound on SR-371 at an unknown speed when he lost control of the Camry, veered into a hillside on the west side of the road and overturned. The man, who was not wearing a seat belt, was ejected from the car, according to CHP.
Alcohol is suspected to have been a factor in the crash. Both lanes of SR-371 were closed for about two hours during the on-scene investigation.
The Temecula CHP office is continuing to investigate. Officials reminded motorists to always wear seat belts, which they said can save lives and prevent serious injuries.
