EL PASO, TX (01/30/2017) — A four-year-old girl remains hospitalized after a rear-end crash in El Paso on Monday night.
According to authorities, 4-year-old Emily Marquez was injured following a rear-end collision that occurred on Loop 375 North (near Vista Del Sol Drive) in Far East El Paso, Texas.
Police reported that at around 8:15 p.m., a Chevrolet Avalanche—driven by 30-year-old Claudia Valenzuela—failed to keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front of her and slammed into the rear of a red Honda Civic—driven by 22-year-old Gabriel Marquez—as traffic slowed for a road closure ahead.
Four-year-old Emily Marquez, who was a backseat passenger in the Civic (and properly restrained in a car seat), was taken to University Medical Center where she remains with serious injuries.
According to reports, a Ford Mustang had also been traveling in between the two vehicles prior to the crash, but escaped a collision by swerving into the emergency lane.
None of the drivers were seriously injured. An investigation is underway.
Commentary
Police cited failure to control speed as a factor in this collision, but no charges have been filed at this time. The individual responsible for this accident could eventually face charges, pending the results of the investigation. We will provide updates as they become available.
Based on the initial reports, both drivers behind Marquez’ vehicle were likely following too closely, traveling at an unsafe speed, and/or driving while distracted. It takes drivers an average of 1.5 seconds to perceive and react to a hazard, and when a vehicle is moving at 65 mph (the speed limit on this stretch of Loop 375), the vehicle will travel an average of 144 feet before the driver can even apply the brakes.
Remember that it is every driver’s responsibility (and legal duty) to be prepared when the driver in front of them suddenly stops. Maintaining a proper following distance allows for more time to make smart, well-planned decisions, and affords other drivers the opportunity to scan for and avoid hazards as well.
