A 21-year-old Solvang man died Wednesday afternoon when his 2006 Kawasaki motorcycle collided with an oncoming SUV on Alamo Pintado Road between Solvang and Ballard.
The man, identified as Chad S. Linton, was traveling north in the 1700 block of Alamo Pintado Road south of Baseline Road about 2 p.m. when the motorcycle crossed over the double yellow center line, according to California Highway Patrol Officer Kurt Schmidt.
Linton tried to steer the motorcycle out of the oncoming lane of traffic but lost control, Schmidt said. The driver of an oncoming Ford Explorer reported having only a glimpse of Linton before stepping on her brakes.
The man struck the front of the SUV and became caught underneath the vehicle. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the Explorer, Susan Gowing of Ballard, reported no injuries.
Linton was wearing a helmet but did not have a valid motorcycle license, according to the CHP.
The accident closed Alamo Pintado Road in both directions for one hour.
July 13, 2006
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