An investigation into the incident determined that a white Honda CR-V traveling westbound on Avenue 13 failed to stop for a stop sign at the intersection and was broadsided by a Freightliner semi-truck traveling northbound on Road 23
Madera County, CA – Authorities have released the identity of one of two people killed in a two-vehicle rollover collision in Madera County on Wednesday morning.
According to the California Highway Patrol, Isabella Marlene Nevarez, 21, was killed in the incident that occurred at around 11 a.m. on December 31, on Avenue 13 and Road 23.
An investigation into the incident determined that a white Honda CR-V traveling westbound on Avenue 13 failed to stop for a stop sign at the intersection and was broadsided by a Freightliner semi-truck traveling northbound on Road 23.
The Honda rolled over due to the impact of the accident. Four of the five occupants of the Honda were ejected.
Nevarez and the man driving the Honda were both declared deceased at the scene. Three other parties in the Honda were transported to a hospital with major injuries.
The driver of the big rig, which was carrying sand, was not hurt in the incident.
Alcohol and drugs were believed to be factors in the crash, according to the CHP. Additionally, the occupants of the Honda were not wearing their seatbelts.
The California Highway Patrol is handling the investigation.
Madera County is one of California’s mid-sized counties but has been expanding in population, and as its population continues to grow, so has the number of traffic accidents. According to California Office of Traffic Safety reports, in 2022 the county recorded 1033 injuries and fatalities due to traffic-related accidents and this was slightly lower than 2021 when 1128 people fell victim to road accidents. Drunk drivers continue to be a risk in Madera County as seen in the OTS records with almost 14% of all accidents in 2022 being DUI-related. Other major causes included distracted-driving, unsafe passing, and speeding. Highway 99 is notably one of the highways regarded dangerous in Madera County due to the frequency of accidents occurring yearly. These accidents are mostly blamed on the high volume of traffic on the highway including large trucks. However, driver discipline can play a major role in improving road safety on Highway 99 and other roadways within Madera County.
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