FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — Several serious crashes have happened in Fresno County and the surrounding area in recent weeks, and authorities say there are two major factors: poor weather and poor decision-making.
Ahead of New Year’s, Central California is bracing for another rainmaker to plague Valley roads, as the region is recovering from the impacts of last week’s Christmas storm.
Local law enforcement is urging drivers to use caution ahead of another busy holiday.
“When you get fog, you get rain, slow down,” said Fresno County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Tony Botti.
That advice may seem simple, but California Highway Patrol officers say failing to adjust to poor conditions has been the leading cause of crashes in recent weeks.
“When there’s anything on the ground, whether it be snow, ice, water, mud — I had one crash, actually, that involved manure. Anything that’s on the ground and you see it, you need to slow down,” said CHP Officer Anthony Daulton.
Authorities say weather-related crashes aren’t the only concern this time of year.
The new year includes celebrations, and with them, an increase in impaired driving — something that claimed multiple lives in the Central Valley this holiday season.
Monday, a husband and wife were killed near Coalinga, when CHP investigators say 30-year-old Shawn Borecha swerved and collided with the couple head-on.
“It’s extremely sad because you are literally seeing families’ lives torn apart. You look at this recent couple in the Coalinga area. Somebody’s missing their parents now, and this could have all been prevented,” said Botti.
“One of the most selfish things you can do is have too much to drink and then be persistent in getting behind the wheel. Do you realize how many people you’re putting in danger? It’s one thing if you want to hurt yourself. But we know that the people on the road, they’re defenseless against it,” Botti said.
Authorities say that if you’re not in the right state of mind to drive or the weather conditions are poor, it’s important to have a plan. They suggest leaving early, driving slowly, and, if necessary, finding a ride ahead of time.
By Kerry Mannix/ABC 30
