Many different entities will publish lists of the most common causes of accidents on the roadways. Most would assume that issues such as speeding, poor driving conditions, the presence of alcohol and aggressive driving would be near the top of these lists. Most of them are, but one issue that’s overlooked is that of distracted drivers. When a driver is not paying attention, it leads to terrible accidents at an alarming rate. Police have investigated a recent fatal crash in Yolo County and found that two people were killed because the driver lost his focus on the road.

According to the Sacramento Bee:

“The California Highway Patrol is investigating whether a driver’s attention to a compact disc player may have led to an accident Thursday afternoon in Yolo County in which two men – a car driver and passenger – were killed.

Yolo County Chief Deputy Coroner Robert LaBrash identified the car driver as Luis Sarabia Trujillo, 23, of Woodland. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Sacramento County Coroner officials identified the passenger as Omar Gaytan Sarabia, 20, also of Woodland. Gaytan Sarabia was taken to UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento, where he died.

A news release from the CHP said that a pickup driven by David Pearl, 53, of Davis was northbound on County Road 89 in Yolo County at about 60 mph just after noon. Approaching from the southbound direction was a car with three passengers driven by Sarabia Trujillo.

The released stated that Pearl was “inattentive by looking at his CD player.” That lack of attention to driving allowed his truck to drift onto the right shoulder, the CHP said.

Realizing his truck was off the roadway, he corrected to the left, crossing over into the southbound lane, the CHP said. The truck then struck the car with the three passengers, the CHP said.”

Drivers are also responsible for their passengers, and if you or someone you love has been harmed because of an inattentive driver, you need the help of Sacramento auto accidents attorneys who have years of experience in successfully fighting for the rights of their clients. Contact Demas & Rosenthal today to schedule a free initial consultation.