• 01
  • April
    2010

Storms blew into San Diego early this morning causing more than 100 car accidents before the clock had even struck 8:00 a.m. Among the morning crashes was at least one fatal accident involving an emergency medical technician working for San Diego Medical Services.

Esteban Bahena, an ambulance driver, was responding to a car accident on state Route 163 around 7:00 a.m. when he was struck by another driver. Police are still trying to piece together the exact circumstances of the accident, but believe that a second crash, nearby, may have caused a fourth car to strike Bahena as he set out emergency flares.

Both Bahena and the driver who struck him were taken to the hospital, where Bahena later passed away. The driver may face drunk driving charges, according to authorities, who are awaiting the results of a technician's blood test.

The rain is supposed to be gone by this evening, but with more than 100 car accidents already, San Diego drivers should remember to be careful and drive responsibly, Everyone is in a hurry to get to work, or get home, but taking a little more time to get where you are headed is much more preferable to getting into a car accident.

If, however, you are in a car accident, it's important that your first goal be to reach a safe place. If possible, maneuver your vehicle to the side of the road and wait for emergency responders. If you are stranded in traffic and cannot exit your car safely, make sure that your seat belt is buckled and your hazard lights are on.

If you see a car accident ahead of you - slow down. Wherever you are going is not more important than the safety of those involved. 

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