Accident – Death – Obituary News :
The Tragic Accident in Saratoga Springs, Utah
In a devastating turn of events, a fatal accident occurred in Saratoga Springs, Utah, resulting in the death of a young woman. The incident took place on South Redwood Road, where a man was charged after causing a collision with a school bus.
The Charges and Details of the Incident
Caden Jim Simmons, a 20-year-old resident of Eagle Mountain, was charged with criminal negligence while operating a vehicle resulting in death. The tragic event unfolded when Simmons attempted to make a left turn into Maverick, pulling in front of a school bus traveling southbound on South Redwood Road.
The Victim and the Collision
Tragically, the collision resulted in the death of a 20-year-old Saratoga Springs woman, identified as Lauren Scott. She was a passenger in Simmons’ car and was seated in the front seat at the time of the crash. The impact of the collision on the car’s front passenger door proved fatal for Scott, while the bus driver and the students on board escaped unharmed.
The Investigation and Witness Accounts
According to the Saratoga Springs Police Department, witnesses at the scene reported that Simmons attempted to “shoot the gap” in front of the school bus, leading to the collision. One witness mentioned that the car tried to beat the bus but failed, ultimately causing the tragic outcome.
The Role of the Bus Driver and Simmons’ Actions
Despite the bus driver having the right of way, Simmons failed to leave enough space to make the left turn safely. An accident investigation revealed that Simmons was braking until a mere 1.5 seconds before the collision, after which he accelerated, corroborating witness statements about his attempt to “shoot the gap.”
The Impact of THC and Accident Reconstruction
Furthermore, a toxicology report revealed the presence of THC in Simmons’ blood, indicating potential impairment at the time of the accident. An accident reconstructionist determined that Simmons had a minimal perceived gap of only 1.63 seconds to make the turn, highlighting the dangerous nature of his actions.
As the community mourns the loss of Lauren Scott and grapples with the aftermath of this tragic incident, it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety and responsible driving practices.
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