This morning at approximately 8:29 a.m., traffic enforcement officers responded to the intersection of Crescent Avenue and Gilham Road for a crash involving two vehicles. Both drivers of the involved vehicles were transported to the hospital by medics with non-life threatening injuries. The crash happened when a Honda CRX, driven by Nicole Lynn Francois Bergstrom, age 38, travelled through a red light and collided with a Toyota Highlander, causing extensive damage to both vehicles. Bergstrom was cited for Careless Driving and Driving While Suspended.
Police believe that texting may have been a contributing factor in this crash and want to remind the public of the safety risks of using a mobile device while driving.
Information from NHTSA: Based on fatal accident reports, NHTSA data shows that at least 3,154 people were killed in crashes involving all distracted drivers in 2013, including those who were texting and driving. NHTSA estimates that 424,000 Americans were injured in all distraction-affected crashes in 2013.
To prevent distracted driving, motorists are urged to:
Turn off electronic devices and put them out of reach before starting to drive.
Be good role models for young drivers and set a good example. Talk with your teens about responsible driving.
Speak up when you are a passenger and your driver uses an electronic device while driving. Offer to make the call for the driver, so his or her full attention stays on the driving task.
Always wear your seat belt. Seat belts are the best defense against other unsafe drivers.