Esparto Woman Killed in Yolo County Crash

DUI Suspected, Driver Arrested

In the early morning hours of Friday, June 4, 2021, a 29-year old Esparto woman was killed in a car crash on Highway 16. The male driver in the single-vehicle crash, also an Esparto resident, was arrested and charged with driving under the influence, according to officials from the California Highway Patrol.

Details of the Single-Vehicle Crash

The vehicle involved was a 2005 Toyota Corolla, and the crash occurred around 1:00 a.m. on Friday morning. The Corolla had been traveling east on Highway 16 in the vicinity of County Road 94B, which is between Esparto and Woodland in unincorporated Yolo County.

For unknown reasons, the driver, who is suspected of having been impaired, allowed the Corolla to veer into the westbound lane, then travel in the wrong direction on the shoulder prior to crashing into a culvert and then into a pole. The traffic collision report indicates the vehicle then overturned.

Events Following the Crash

According to the CHP, the passenger was not restrained by a seat belt and was ejected from the vehicle. Paramedics transported her to Kaiser Vacaville Medical Center, where, sadly, she was pronounced dead.

The driver of the Corolla was arrested at the accident scene under suspicion of drugged driving. He sustained moderate injuries in the crash and was transported to Kaiser Vacaville for evaluation and treatment, authorities said.

Studying the Prevalence of Drugged Driving

If in fact, the driver in this tragic Yolo County accident was operating his vehicle under the influence of drugs, he is not alone. Sadly, this particular dangerous driving behavior is quite common. It is difficult to quantify how many traffic accidents are the result of drugged driving for a number of reasons, including:

  • As of yet, an accurate on-the-scene test for drug levels in the driver’s system does not exist.
  • Many drugs and medications stay in the body for days or even weeks after use. This presents a challenge in determining when the drug was used and whether it caused impaired driving.
  • Drugs and alcohol are often used together, and police officers will usually not test for drugs if the driver’s blood alcohol content is above the legal limit, since they already have the evidence to support a charge of DUI. Additionally, when the substances are used together, it is not possible to determine which caused the driver’s impairment.

Statistics from 2016 reveal that more than 43% of fatally injured motorists tested positive for drugs, and more than half of those tested positive for more than one drug.

Common Drugs and Their Effects on Driving

Below are some commonly used drugs and some of their effects on driving behavior:

  • Marijuana use can affect cognitive function and motor skills. It can alter reaction time, concentration, distance perception, balance, and coordination.
  • Opioid use can impair cognition and cause drowsiness.
  • Alcohol impairment results in a reduction in concentration and coordination, depth perception, lane recognition, and can cause drowsiness.

Watch the YouTube video. The clip below, prepared by Nebraska Public Media, explores the problem of drugged driving.

Woodland Wrongful Death Lawyer

Thank you for reading our report on this tragic accident that took the life of a 29-year-old Esparto woman. My name is Ed Smith, and I am a wrongful death lawyer serving the residents of Woodland, California. The sudden and untimely death of a loved one is always devastating. When it is caused by the reckless and negligent behavior of another, the resulting grief can be complicated by feelings of anger and frustration. Often, a family is left with financial problems following the untimely death of a loved one. We hope you never experience such a loss, but if the unthinkable happens, our compassionate injury lawyers are available to offer free and friendly advice. Do not hesitate to call us at (530) 392-9400 or (800) 404-5400.

Our firm has handled cases stemming from fatal car crashes for close to four decades. Please take a moment to read some of our client reviews:

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