‘Distracted’ driver talking on cell phone cause of Hwy. 273 wreck

Photo by Michael Woodward

Pamela Epperson, 33, of Anderson, reported she was “distracted and talking on her cell phone“ when she rear-ended a blue Ford pick-up truck on Highway 273, according to CHP officer Lori Richins.

The pick-up was slowing to stop at the traffic light at the intersection with Spring Gulch Road when Epperson, not aware of the stopped traffic, hit the truck.

The truck, in turn, collided with a silver Ford Escape in front of it. All three vehicles were southbound on Highway 273, just north of the intersection with Spring Gulch Road north of the Anderson City limits 3:45 p.m. Wednesday.

According to bystander Jack Yandell of Redding, the Jetta was traveling at approximately 60 mph before it hit the pickup.

Traffic was slowed to one lane each way for over a half hour, as the Jetta had caromed off the truck and into the northbound lane.

Epperson and her passenger Michael Aubrey, 38, of Anderson, were both released from Mercy Medical Center the same day of their injuries.

In the blue pick-up truck, driver Jill Macia, 25, of Cottonwood had no injuries, but her passenger, Calvin Davis, 6, of Cottonwood, was taken to Mercy and released with minor injuries.

In a 2005 Ford Escape, Doug Duggins, Jr. of Red Bluff was rear ended courtesy of the truck’s momentum inherited from the Jetta. He was without injury.

Adults over 18 years of age will not be permitted to legally use wireless telephones while operating motor vehicles effective July 1, 2008, said APD Officer John Nevens.

Those under 18 years of age will not be permitted to legally use any wireless or hands-free device while driving, Nevens said.

Fines for first offenses would total $76, whereas each subsequent offence would garner a $190 fine.