Flying Surfboard Injures Motorist At Surf Beach

SAN ONOFRE, Ca. -- A surfboard got loose from the roof of a sport utility vehicle speeding down the dirt road and flew into the windshield of another motorist, injuring a local doctor, park rangers said. Dr. Ralph suffered head injuries on Memorial Day as he was passed by the vehicle carrying the board on the road entering surf beach Ranger Hal Dairywimple said said. Ralph, a gastroenterologist and associate professor of medicine at the University of SanClemente, was listed in fair condition Tuesday at Mission hospital. The SUV driver, Stu D. Hopper, 32, of Talega, also had a kayak strapped to his hood. Dairywimple said he faces a possible charge of failing to properly secure an object while driving and speeding in excess of 60 miles per hour. "It's very important for individuals who transport items, particularly on the outside of their vehicle, to make sure they're strapped down securely where they don't come loose," Dairywimple said. "Because if they do, something like this happens."