California Fire Vehicle Rear-Ended on Freeway

Nov. 15, 2011
An off-duty San Rafael fire official was unhurt Monday after a two-vehicle crash in Novato, police said. The collision occurred around 4:30 p.m. on northbound Highway 101 just south of the Highway 37 interchange, according to the California Highway Patrol. San Rafael fire Battalion Chief Jim Lydon, who takes his fire vehicle home in case of emergency, was heading home to Novato when he struck from behind by another vehicle.

An off-duty San Rafael fire official was unhurt Monday after a two-vehicle crash in Novato, police said.

The collision occurred around 4:30 p.m. on northbound Highway 101 just south of the Highway 37 interchange, according to the California Highway Patrol. San Rafael fire Battalion Chief Jim Lydon, who takes his fire vehicle home in case of emergency, was heading home to Novato when he struck from behind by another vehicle.

The other driver, who was changing lanes and looking back over his shoulder, did not see the slowed traffic ahead, said CHP Officer Eric Hohmeister.

Neither driver was injured, and the rear driver was not arrested.

Lydon said the damage included a lost tailgate, but the city vehicle was drivable.

"He hit me pretty good," he said.

McClatchy-Tribune News Service

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