Officials urge motorists to slow down after 2 fatal accidents on Angeles Crest Highway

After two fatal accidents on Friday, officials are urging drivers on the newly reopened Angeles Crest Highway to slow down and drive carefully.

 “People drive too fast,” L.A. County sheriff’s Sgt. Debra Herman told 818 Now. “People need to be a little more aware of their driving and not think they’re more skilled than they are. These are winding roads, and you need to slow down.”

The Angeles Crest Highway, damaged by the Station fire and resulting floods, reopened earlier this month after being closed for 17 months.

About 3 a.m. Friday, Julio Velasquez, a 21-year-old Pasadena man, lost control of his car and crashed into a tree near mile marker 31. California Highway Patrol officers believe alcohol may have played a role in Velasquez’ death, but coroner’s toxicology reports are not yet complete. About 4:30 p.m. that same day, a 48-year-old driver abruptly turned left at a straightaway west of Angeles Forest Highway, according to the CHP, causing his 2008 sedan to plunge more than 600 feet down the mountainside.

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-- Bill Kisliuk, Times Community News

Photo: Angeles Crest Highway. Credit: Credit: Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times