FRESNO, CA (KMJ) – A distracted driver is convicted of misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter in Kern County.
Last March, Gary Vansant struck and killed 41 year-old Sara Hernandez.
She was crossing in an unmarked crosswalk, at Ashe and McKee Roads to get to the Bakersfield Sports Village Soccer Park.
The Kern County DA’s office says Vansant became distracted and stopped looking at the road. He was going 47 miles per hour and did not brake until after hitting her.
Hernandez died instantly.
“This is a tragedy for everyone involved. It is the driver’s responsibility to drive in such a way so as not to endanger others on the street.” – Kern County District Attorney Lisa Green.
Vansant was convicted of misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter.
He faces up to a year in jail. Sentencing is scheduled for March 16, 2018.
Click below to listen to the report by KMJ’s Liz Kern.
