[CHP – Placerville]
On 7/20/19 at approximately 4:15 PM, a solo male driver (60 yrs, Somerset) was driving a Chevrolet Pickup westbound on Grizzly Flat Road, east of Mt. Aukum Road at approximately 60 mph. For reasons still under investigation, the driver turned his vehicle to the right and left the roadway to the north where the front of the vehicle struck a tree.
The driver unfortunately sustained fatal injuries as a result of the collision and was pronounced deceased at the scene by EMS personnel. This collision is still under investigation. It is yet to be determined in alcohol and/or drugs were a factor. The driver was found to not be wearing a seatbelt at the time of the collision.
CHP – Placerville would like to remind our fellow motorists that many of these collisions are involving our own EDC locals. Last year, 20 of the 25 fatal collisions were locals within 10 miles of their own home. Many times we hear of the dreaded "flatlanders" who must be the cause of the problems on the roadways in this county. This is akin to saying "It will never happen to ME." There are 24 people (22 total fatal collisions) who have died in our area (west slope EDC) this year and they probably all thought it wouldn't happen to them. Close to half have not been wearing seatbelts.
Thing is, far too many people are dying on our roadways and it is heartbreaking. For distractions, for speed, DUI, etc.
Is that distraction worth a life? What about getting to your destination a minute or two faster?
You have so much to live for, so does everyone else around you.
