Fowler, CA — Two people are dead after an accident with an 18-wheeler whose driver, police say, may have been under the influence of alcohol. The accident took place on Friday, August 1, 2014, at the intersection of Manning Avenue and Fowler Avenue.
According to reports, the Santos family was stopped at a stop sign when their car was rear-ended by an 18-wheeler that immediately drove away and collided with another 18-wheeler and kept driving. A Fowler police officer, as well as an off-duty deputy were able to stop the truck and detain the driver until officers from the California Highway Patrol arrived on the scene.
Officers reported immediately smelling alcohol on the driver, identified as Alonso Hernandez, which killed family members Leticia Trejo and her son, Ricardo Santos. Police say that he faces DUI charges in addition to hit and run and vehicular manslaughter charges.
Scene of the Accident
Commentary
Whenever you’re out on the road, you’re being held to a high standard. You’re driving a vehicle that weighs a few tons. You’re capable of causing a lot of hurt and so you’re expected to act responsibly. When you’re driving an 18-wheeler, you’re held to an even higher standard. The vehicle you’re driving weighs 80, 000 pounds, on average, so you’re capable of causing a whole lot more damage. If it’s found that the driver of this truck was drunk and that’s what caused the accident, then he, and by extension the trucking company he works for need to be held responsible because this type of behavior is not acceptable. For anyone. One could make the argument that it’s even less acceptable for 18-wheeler drivers, as their entire job revolves around driving and they should know better. In any case, it’s a pretty safe bet to assume that the trucking company is going to be facing some tough questions about their driver’s actions.
— Grossman Law Offices
