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The Danger of Speeding-Tragic California Accident Kills Child

By Jessica Smagacz

Tommy Watkins, 50 year old from Bakersfield, was driving home after camping at Lopez Lake with his family. According to investigators, Watkins attempted to pass another car but got stuck and his white Chevy Sedan hit a burgundy Suburban head-on.

According to KSBY 6 Action News, emergency crews went out on this call around 12:30 p.m. this past Monday. The car accident occurred about two miles east of Suey Creek Road on the Santa Barbara-San Luis Obispo county line.

A 12 year-old boy tragically died at the scene of this accident. He was the grandson of Watkins.

There were six people in the suburban that Watkins hit and all of them were taken to the hospital. Sgt. Ben Ruth from the California Highway Patrol said, 'It started to pass, there were broken lines that gave it permission to do so, but as you can see where the skid marks are, that passing lane ended way back.'

Chris Martinez is a witness to this accident. He saw Watkins's Chevy pass traffic and had no idea it would turn into a tragic car crash. He said, 'First thing that crossed through my mind: there's no need to rush it to where you're going. There's always time. Apparently, sometimes you rush it and things like this happen.'

The six people in the Sedan suffered injuries along with the grandfather.

Our thoughts are with the child's family and with those who were injured in this tragic car crash.

Remember to use caution at all times while driving. When you are in a rush, remember what can happen if you speed; instead, think about the fact that there is still time and driving safely outweighs the risks of a tragic accident such as this one.

Do you know what do to if you are in a car accident? See our past post here. If you have been injured in a car accident by someone who wasn't exercising due care, contact the Sacramento personal injury attorneys at Demas & Rosenthal today to schedule a free initial consultation.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Jessica Smagacz

Full post as published by Sacramento Personal Injury Lawyer on May 27, 2009 (boomark / email).