CHP: Alcohol factor in crash leaving woman dead, two hurt on Highway 65
BAKERSFIELD, CALIF. (KBAK/KBFX) — Alcohol appears to be a factor in a crash on Highway 65 near Famoso Dragstrip leaving a woman dead and two others hurt.
CHP said on Tuesday, February 14, 2023, at around 3:50 a.m., officers were called to a report of a head-on crash on Highway 65, north of Famoso Road.
CHP said a preliminary investigation found that 52-year-old William Pederson of Porterville was driving a 2022 Ram northbound on Highway 65, north of Famoso Road, at a stated speed of 55 mph.
The driver of the Toyota was driving southbound on Highway 65, north of Famoso Road, approaching the Ram at an unknown speed.
Pederson allowed the vehicle to cross over the solid double yellow line partially into the southbound lane, directly into the path of the Toyota, according to CHP.
CHP said the front of the Ram hit the front of the Toyota causing major damage to both vehicles.
As a result of the crash, the driver of the Toyota, identified as a 53-year-old woman of Bakersfield, died.
The passenger of the Toyota suffered moderate injuries and was taken to Kern Medical.
The Ram continued out of control northbound, overturning multiple times. The driver suffered minor injuries.
William Pederson was suspected to be driving under the influence of alcohol and was arrested for DUI and other charges.
