Alcohol suspected in fatal rollover

By ERIC LINDBERG — Nov. 10, 2009

A 43-year-old man died after apparently losing control of his vehicle and flipping several times along the Gaviota Coast on Highway 101 in an incident authorities believe may be linked to alcohol.

The victim, whose name remained undisclosed as authorities attempted to contact next-of-kin, was traveling southbound in a 1997 Mercedes 300E on Saturday just before 9 p.m. when he crossed the Arroyo Quemado Bridge, according to a California Highway Patrol incident report.

As the vehicle entered a sweeping right curve, the vehicle traveled onto the paved portion of the center divider before the driver overcorrected, veered to the right and skidded across the highway, ultimately traveling off the roadway into a dirt area.

As it hit the dirt, the vehicle rolled over several times. The driver, who was not wearing his seatbelt at the time, was partially ejected through the sunroof and was pronounced dead at the scene.

CHP officials said investigators suspect alcohol might have played a role in the crash, although the investigation remains ongoing.

Comment on this article

Subject:

Body:

Poster:

Enter text seen above:

1 less : 11/10/2009

1 less drunk driver on the roads

SBer

---