Distracted driving cited in fatal Interstate 5 crash

A Downey man who took his eyes off the road to check his car’s instrument panel is to blame for a crash that killed a 56-year-old Buena Park woman Saturday on Interstate 5 near Mendota, the California Highway Patrol reported.

The incident took place about 6:37 a.m. David J. Avelar, 20, was northbound in a Volkswagen Golf at an estimated speed of 80 mph, the CHP said. He was in the left lane when he diverted his attention from the road, crossed into the right lane and slammed into a Hyundai Elantra that was 18 feet off the roadway on the asphalt shoulder.

The Buena Park woman died at the scene. She was identified as Rufinita Padrinas. Avelar was taken to Community Regional Medical Center with minor injuries, as were the Hyundai driver, Erlinda Granadasabah, 57, of Bellflower, and Elizabeth Perez, 56, of Signal Hill.

The California Highway Patrol said it does not appear alcohol or drugs played a role in the crash.

This story was originally published July 6, 2015 at 11:58 AM with the headline "Distracted driving cited in fatal Interstate 5 crash."