A motorcyclist died Tuesday morning after he slammed into the rear of a pickup truck on westbound State Route 78, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The 21-year-old Escondido resident was riding his 1992 Honda CBR in the fast lane when, for an unknown reason, he ran into a 2004 Ford F-250 as they neared Nordahl Road at about 7:15 a.m.
The 56-year-old Ford driver told CHP officials he was driving around 40 miles per hour when he felt the impact on the rear of his truck.
The motorcyclist flew off his bike and landed in the center divide, where he was pronounced dead, the CHP says.
It is unknown if alcohol or drugs played a role in the crash. The incident is under investigation.
