Deadly Single-Car Crash on Highway 99
On Labor Day morning, September 6, 2021, a young man was killed in a single-vehicle accident that occurred on Highway 99 in Merced County.
Details of the Merced County Fatal Incident
According to the California Highway Patrol, the collision was reported at approximately 6:15 a.m. Media outlets indicate that the crash may have occurred overnight, only to be discovered once dawn broke. The location of the incident was northbound Highway 99 in the vicinity of Collier Road, which is just south of Delhi.
Investigators believe that the driver of the involved vehicle, which was reported to be a white Chevy pickup, allowed the truck to drift and hit the center median, which caused it to veer off the road. The car then rolled approximately 50 feet down an embankment.
What the Scene Revealed
Although the name of the driver has yet to be released, CHP reports reveal that he was only 23 years old. First responders found the young man dead inside the vehicle. According to authorities, he had not been wearing a seatbelt.
Continuing Investigation
The cause of the deadly crash has not yet been determined. The CHP is continuing its investigation. If anyone has any information about events leading up to the incident, please contact the Merced CHP office.
One Potential Cause: Drowsy Driving
Although the cause of this tragic Merced County incident is currently undetermined, a number of factors indicate one potential cause could be drowsy driving. Those factors include:
- The time of the accident
- The fact that the accident involved one vehicle
- The mechanism of the accident, e.g., drifting and veering off the road
Unfortunately, incidents of drowsy driving are very common, and, unsurprisingly, usually happen late at night or in the early morning hours. Studies have revealed that being fatigued results in deficits in important driving skills comparable to getting behind the wheel after having a couple of alcoholic drinks.
Drowsy Driving is a Common Cause of Accidents
Drowsy driving is estimated to cause upwards of 72,000 crashes per year, with many of those crashes causing injuries and deaths. The number of accidents caused by fatigued drivers may actually be much higher, since often the drowsy driver will not admit to having fallen asleep behind the wheel or that their fatigue contributed to an error they made while driving.
Signs that You Should Pull Over
There are indications that you are too tired to drive. They include:
- Frequent blinking and yawning
- Lane drifting/striking a rumble strip in the road
- Missing an exit or turn because you “zoned out”
- Realizing you cannot remember the last several miles you have driven
If you notice any of the above or any other warning signs of drowsiness, the best option is to pull over and switch drivers. If you are alone, it is recommended you find a safe area to stop and take a nap. Rolling down the car windows and blasting your radio is not sufficient. Neither is chugging coffee or an energy drink. These activities may mask your fatigue temporarily but they are not effective against the mental deficits caused by fatigue.
Watch the YouTube video. The clip below, from TODAY, reports on the dangers of drowsy driving.
Merced Car Accident Lawyer
Hello – I’m Ed Smith, a Merced car accident lawyer. Drowsy driving is risky driving. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car crash caused by the negligent behavior of another driver, our compassionate injury lawyers can help. To set up a no-obligation consultation or to simply receive our free and friendly advice, call us at (209) 227-1931. From outside the local area code, please use our toll-free line: (800) 404-5400.
The links below will take you to reviews of our firm written by former clients.
Photo: Pixabay
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