CHP has warning for drivers after fatal crash on Highway 101

PRUNEDALE, Calif. (KION) California Highway Patrol is reminding drivers involved in accidents to remain in their cars until help arrives and move their vehicle out of the roadway if possible.

Early Friday morning, a driver was killed after getting in an accident and exiting their car to call 9-1-1 for help on Highway 101 near Prunedale. The 29-year-old driver was then struck and killed by another passing vehicle. CHP says it's never a good idea to get out of your vehicle after a crash.

"If the vehicles are drivable and they can move out of the way, please do so. Move immediately to the right hand shoulder and start dialing 9-1-1," said California Highway Patrol Officer Jessica Madueño. "If you are in the road, the vehicle can not move and you are blocking the lane, stay inside your vehicle and call 9-1-1 so we can get emergency medical personnel to you immediately."

According to AAA, the pandemic led to a 45% drop in daily car trips in 2020, but traffic has since rebounded closer to pre-pandemic levels. Despite fewer cars on the road in 2020, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says traffic deaths increased by 7.2% compared to 2019.

"It's very concerning. Law enforcement was reporting reckless driving all across the country, with people speeding and just driving in unsafe ways," said Sergio Avila, a AAA Spokesperson. "We have to get back into that safety mindset and drive carefully and share the road with others."

Traffic has rebounded since pandemic restrictions are lifting, but it still remains about 20% less than levels in 2019.