A tragic crash in Roseville early Saturday morning has claimed the life of a 9-year-old girl and brought renewed attention to the dangers of drunk driving.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported that the crash occurred around 5:20 a.m. on eastbound Interstate 80. A 36-year-old woman from Sacramento, driving a Hyundai Elantra, lost control of her car, causing it to spin out and come to a stop in the fast lane. She exited the disabled vehicle and began walking along the shoulder of the freeway.
While some drivers managed to avoid the stalled Hyundai, a Honda CR-V collided with it. The CR-V was driven by a 50-year-old man from Fremont, who had two young passengers. One of them, a 9-year-old girl, suffered severe injuries and was rushed to the hospital, where she later died.
Officers found the Hyundai driver on the shoulder of the freeway and arrested her on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI).
Rhonda Campbell, the victim services manager for Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) in California, spoke about the growing issue of impaired driving. “We’re at a 16-year high for DUI crashes,” Campbell said. “Despite all the education and awareness efforts, people are still making the choice to drink and drive.”
Campbell’s personal connection to the cause runs deep. Her sister, Irene Ruth Harris, was killed by a drunk driver in 1981 at the age of 12. Since then, Campbell has been an advocate for victims and families affected by impaired driving.
“It’s devastating to lose someone, especially to something so preventable,” she said. “An innocent child lost their life today because of one person’s irresponsible decision. It has to stop.”
Authorities have not yet released the identities of those involved. This heartbreaking incident serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of impaired driving and the importance of planning ahead to ensure everyone’s safety.
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