California has laws that regulate having alcoholic containers in the vehicle. In order for the alcohol to be legally in the vehicle, it must be unopened with the seal intact or is being transported in a part of the car that cannot be accessed by the driver or other passengers, such as the trunk. If the container does not meet these conditions, it is illegal. However, having a container in your car is not automatically a DUI and is actually a lesser offense. If police find a container that is not properly stored, they may begin to suspect DUI and begin performing tests like a breathalyzer or roadside DUI testing. KDVR reports on a Sacramento accident that claimed the life of a Colorado musician.
Early Monday morning, an accident that occurred on Interstate 5 in Sacramento County claimed the life of a musician from Centennial, Colorado.
According to the California Highway Patrol, an SUV rear-ended a van that was towing a trailer at about 2:40 a.m. The van then lost control, overturning, and coming to a rest in the center median. The trailer was full of musical instruments and equipment.
Colin Michael of Centennial was pronounced dead at the scene. According to those involved, he had gone on tour with the group, who were friends.
The woman driving the SUV who crashed into the van was not injured. A search of her vehicle turned up alcohol and drugs. She was arrested on suspicion of DUI.
Six other passengers in the van, who were part of a tour for the Denver-based Short Fuse 59 were all hospitalized.
One of those musicians, Patrick Carney, as critically injured and is currently in a coma.