On August 15, 2024, at approximately 4:24 p.m., a serious accident involving a 2020 Volvo truck and a 2021 GMC Yukon occurred on State Route 70 west of Camp Layman Road. The incident is a stark reminder of the life-saving power of properly securing children in child safety seats.
Edwin Reyes, a resident of Mendota, CA, was driving a 2020 Volvo truck with a trailer eastbound at a speed of approximately 55 MPH. At the same time, Jamie Anderson, a resident of Portola, CA, was driving westbound in her 2021 GMC Yukon with her three minor children, also at a speed of 55 MPH.
As the vehicles rounded a curve, Mr. Reyes’ vehicle entered the westbound lane and directly into the path of Ms. Anderson’s vehicle. The resulting head-on collision caused significant damage to both vehicles.
Emergency crews quickly arrived on the scene and all occupants of the Yukon were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment. Given the severity of the impact, this could have had a far more tragic outcome.
However, upon inspection by officers at the scene, it was found that Ms. Anderson had properly secured her children in child safety seats. This important measure saved her children from potentially fatal injuries in the accident.
“This incident underscores the importance of using child restraints properly,” said Officer Preston. “In situations like this, proper use of child restraints can literally be a matter of life and death.”
The California Highway Patrol encourages all drivers to ensure that child safety seats are used and properly installed whenever a child is traveling in a vehicle.
Submitted by Quincy CHP
