A Grass Valley man died Wednesday afternoon after his car was hit head on by a truck, California Highway Patrol says.

The 64-year-old man, whose identity was not released pending notification of next of kin, was driving at about 55 mph northbound on Highway 49 just south of Alta Sierra Drive when a silver pickup truck drifted over the center lane divider and hit the man’s white Ford Taurus head-on, according to Officer Brant Hardin with the Grass Valley CHP office.

“It was pretty much a direct hit,” Hardin said.

Witnesses told officers that the truck, which was traveling southbound on the highway at about 60 mph, had been weaving in and out of its lane and had almost collided with other cars prior to the fatal accident, according to Hardin.

The driver, 47-year-old Ron Wood of Grass Valley, is charged with suspicion of being under the influence of medication, Hardin said. Wood, who was conscious at the scene, was life-flighted via helicopter to Sutter Roseville Medical Center, Hardin said.

He was listed in “serious condition” Wednesday afternoon, according to Liz Madison, Sutter Roseville spokeswoman.

The driver of the Taurus was pronounced dead at the scene, Hardin said.

The accident, which happened at about noon between Auburn and Grass Valley, closed the highway for about an hour to clear the scene.

Officer Dina Hernandez said it’s important for motorists to use caution when traveling roadways, especially during the busy holiday season.

“We’re just asking people to be patient because there are going to be a lot of people traveling over the holiday weekend,” Hernandez said. “And if you’re going to be drinking over the holiday, we ask that you have a designated driver.”

Jenifer Gee can be reached at jeniferg@goldcountrymedia.com.