Suspected DUI Driver Dead and Three Others Injured in Head-On Crash on Intersection of Dorothy Street and Golden Valley Road
SANTA CLARITA, CA (January 16, 2018) – On Tuesday evening around 10:52 PM, the California Highway Patrol reported a fatal head-on crash about 100 feet outside Santa Clarita city limits.
Officer Patrick Kimball of the CHP said a Canyon Country man, 31-year-old Matthew Thibodeau, was driving a white 2002 Honda Civic southbound on Golden Valley Road approaching Dorothy Street with high speeds.
Thibodeau then made an immediate left turn from Golden Valley Rd to eastbound Dorothy St on a red traffic arrow, coming in front of a tan Toyota Sienna that was traveling northbound on Golden Valley Rd, entering the intersection of Dorothy St. The two vehicles crashed head-on with each other.
According to Supervising Fire Dispatcher Jeremy Stafford, there were several people trapped in vehicles. A crew from Fire Station 104 were brought in to remove victims from the damaged vehicles.
Upon police force arrival, fire personnel pronounced the Honda driver dead on the scene. Investigation shows that the Canyon Country man was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash. Driver of the Sienna and his 3-year-old daughter were airlifted to a trauma center at Northridge Hospital for moderate to major injuries. A passenger in the Honda was taken to hospital by ground ambulance for moderate injuries.
Authorities suspect that excessive speed and alcohol may have been contributing factors in this fatal incident.
Heartfelt condolences to the friends and family of Matthew Thibodeau.
Driving under the influence is not only illegal, but extremely dangerous. If you or someone you know has been involved in a serious car accident involving drugs or alcohol, contact the auto accident attorneys at Sweet Law Group. Call (800) 203-3061 for a free consultation with an experienced legal professional in your area.
