A distracted driver on Interstate 5 near Mendota crashed into a car on the shoulder, killing a Buena Park woman and injuring two others early Saturday, July 4th. The distracted driver, identified as David J. Avelar, 20, of Downey, was checking his instrument panel when he drifted from the left lane of the north 5 into a vehicle 18 feet on the right shoulder.
Authorities estimated that Avelar was traveling near 80 miles per hour when he crossed the freeway in his Volkswagen Golf and crashed into a Hyundai Elantra. The deceased victim was a passenger in the Elantra and was pronounced dead at the scene. Avelar, the driver of the Elantra, and another passenger in the Elantra were all taken to Community Regional Medical Center for minor injuries.
Authorities do not believe drugs or alcohol were a factor in the crash.
