Passenger Dies and Driver Arrested After Car Crash On 57 Freeway in Orange County, CA
An early morning automobile accident Orange County, California has left a passenger dead and a driver in jail for suspicion of driving under the influence. The accident occurred on March 8 at 3:55 a.m., a SigAlert was issued at 4:50 a.m. shutting down traffic for several hours as the California Highway Patrol and firefighters battled to put out flames after the vehicle caught on fire.
The car accident occurred on the Chapman Avenue off-ramp on the 57 Freeway in Orange, CA. Two people were in the automobile when it crashed and caught fire. The driver has been charged for suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol. CHP believes that alcohol was a factor in the car crash.
The vehicle was traveling at an unknown rate of speed when it struck a guardrail near Chapman Ave. The car then went over an embankment and struck several trees before landing near the Santa Ana River, where witnesses say it then caught fire.
The 25-year-old driver escaped the wreckage and climbed up the embankment. He was transported to a local Orange County hospital and treated for injuries. He was later arrested and charged with driving under the influence once released from the hospital.
The 24-year-old passenger in the car died at the scene from injuries sustained in the car accident.
The identity of the victims of the auto accident has not been released pending notification of the families.
Incidents such as that above are not isolated. DUI is a leading cause of auto accidents in Orange County and throughout Southern California. Thousands of people are seriously injured or die as the result of a DUI-related accident or car crash every single year. It is dangerous and illegal to drink and get behind the wheel of an automobile.
Of all the mid-size cities in California, Orange ranks #1 for car accidents and fatalities. It also ranks #1 for drunk driving accidents. Many accidents occur along the 57 Freeway, but many other roadways are just as dangerous. San Bernardino is the worst city in the OC for traffic accidents and fatalities, with more than 1,000 incidents each year. However, it is only one of many cities in California that is known for its high accident rates and fatalities. It is unfortunate that cities in Orange County are still grappling with the problem of drunk driving, and impaired driving from other substances such as marijuana, prescription drugs, and illegal drugs.
A few additional statistics concerning driving under the influence car accidents in Orange County:
– 75% of arrestees are male
– 53% are 30-years-old or younger
– 0.5% of DUI crashes involve individuals under 18 years old
Never drink and drive. That one simple statement could very well save your life as well as the lives of innocent people sharing the roadways with you. When drivers are intoxicated, they get a false sense of confidence in their ability to drive, when in reality impaired drivers shouldn’t be anywhere near a vehicle. Even one or two alcoholic drinks can alter your mind in ways that can lead to an auto accident. A tragic accident cannot be undone. It turns lives upside down, including your own. Avoid taking such a risk and protect life to the fullest. If you want to drink, don’t drive; it’s just that simple.
If you or a loved one have been the victim of a drunk driving accident, an experienced California personal injury attorney can help you get the compensation you deserve. Chudleigh Law P.C. fights for victims that have been injured due to the negligence of others. Contact Chudleigh Law P.C. for a free case evaluation.
Disclaimer: As the result of secondary sources used to complete this blog post, Chudleigh Law P.C. has not independently verified all facts contained herein. If you read something in this blog that in inaccurate please contact Chudleigh Law P.C. and we will correct the inaccuracy. As members of the Orange County and the broader Southern California community, we hope everyone in our community is safe. We cover events in this blog as a way to offer support to victims, and raise awareness to increase the safety of all drivers in Orange County, and throughout Southern California. This information should not be construed as legal advice.
