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Head-On Collision Involving DUI Suspect Injures One On HWY 101 In San Luis Obispo County

A frightening weekend head-on collision in San Luis Obispo County sent one driver to the hospital and left another facing DUI charges. The Highway Patrol responded to the accident on Highway 101 around 5:15 a.m. Sunday morning on March 27, 2022.

KSBY-TV reports the collision occurred south of the TV Tower Road exit, northeast of San Luis Obispo. Investigators say a 24-year-old Santa Maria man driving a Dodge Challenger was traveling northbound when he veered into the southbound lanes. A 37-year-old Atascadero man driving a Toyota 4Runner was struck head-on. The impact sent the Toyota rolling over multiple times. Debris from the crash damaged a third vehicle.

The driver of the Toyota was taken to the hospital with what were described as moderate injuries.

Investigators say the driver of the Dodge continued on and eventually stopped north of the accident. He was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol.

Highway 101 Accident Dangers In San Luis Obispo County

Head-on collisions are the most dangerous of all impacts on the road. The accidents involve so much more force because the speed of both vehicles factors into the crash. That added force is absorbed by drivers and passengers involved and severe injuries can result.

Head-on collisions are a serious problem in San Luis Obispo each year. The Transportation Injury Mapping System (TIMS) tracks accidents across the county all year long. In 2021, TIMS recorded 1,104 collisions across the county for the entire year. Those accidents left almost 1,500 people injured and claimed another 25 lives. That meant that about 2% of accident victims were killed.

TIMS also shows that head-on collisions were relatively rare, but still had devastating effects when they occurred. There were 80 head-on collisions reported in 2021 in San Luis Obispo County. Those accidents killed 5 people and left another 124 injured. That means around 6% of head-on collision victims were killed.

These disturbing numbers show the extreme hazards involved when a car crosses into opposing traffic. And when a veer across the yellow lines is due to the intoxication of a driver, the consequences are that much more heartbreaking. These DUI accidents are easily prevented if drivers are kept from getting behind the wheel while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

A Word About Insurance Benefits for San Luis Obispo County Accident Victims…

Victims who find themselves in the hospital after a crash in San Luis Obispo County may not be aware that they are allowed to seek financial assistance from the at-fault driver’s insurance company.

This support from an insurance claim could help with all medical bills and every paycheck lost while the victim misses work. You can read more about these claims on my page about San Luis Obispo County Car Accidents.

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