Winter in this area can make for some tricky driving conditions, and everyone needs to understand that slowing down, avoiding the application of too much pressure on the brake pedal and other steps need to be taken in order to account for slippery roads. Basically, it’s easier to be negligent behind the wheel in the winter than it is when driving conditions are ideal, and sadly, one man paid with his life because of the negligence of another driver.

According to the Sacramento Bee:

“A 14-year-old from Orangevale was killed Sunday when the pickup truck he was riding in slid off snow-covered Interstate 80 near Blue Canyon and struck a tree, the California Highway Patrol says.

The victim, Jack Conner, died at the scene, a CHP news release states.

Paramedics used a hydraulic prying device to extricate the driver, 62-year-old Jess Valencia of Orangevale, from the 2003 Toyota Tacoma pickup. He was transported to Sutter Roseville Medical Center with minor to moderate injuries, the release states.

Valencia was driving west on Interstate 80 about 11 a.m. when he apparently lost control, the release states. The pickup spun, sliding off the road and down an embankment before striking the tree.

Valencia and Conner wore seatbelts, but the pickup’s airbags did not deploy, the release states.

The CHP’s preliminary investigation indicates excessive speed on a steep and snow-covered downhill grade caused the accident, the release states. Neither drugs nor alcohol are believed to have been factors.”

If you are behind the wheel and notice that the roads are slippery, take the necessary precautions. If you or someone you love has been injured or worse due to driving negligence, you need the help of Sacramento auto accidents lawyers who understand how negligence applies in every situation. Contact Demas Law Group today to schedule a free initial consultation.