SUV rollover injures 2, kills 1

April 14, 2009

Fresno, California - A sports utility vehicle (SUV) got involved in a single vehicle rollover crash, Monday afternoon along Interstate 5 near Coalinga.

The California Highway Patrol reported that the SUV rolled over near the south end of Jayne Avenue killing the driver and injuring its two passengers.

The Fresno County Coroner’s office later identified the driver as Janet Carmody, 18 and its two passengers as Britney Cushman, 20 and Richard Carmody, 59. All three are from Concord.

CHP Officer Jason Bettini said that Carmody was driving northbound when she was distracted by one of the passengers causing her to drift the vehicle over rumble strips towards the left of the roadway. Jolted, the driver steered sharply to the right and lost control of the 2007 Ford Escape that she was driving.

Animal control was also sent in after highway patrol noticed several dogs at the back of the vehicle. No one else have been reported injured.

Recent statistics show that SUVs get involved in single rollover vehicle crash more often than regular sedans due to their higher center of gravity.