Southern California Accident News

Driver in Deadly Newport Beach Crash Taking Prescription Drugs

Toxicology tests have been completed on the woman who caused a fatal multi-vehicle traffic accident in Newport Beach last January.  The woman was taking prescription antipsychotic drugs that may impair driving.
 
The California highway accident occurred on the afternoon of Saturday, January 15, 2011.  Twenty-seven-year-old Julie Allen was speeding down Coast Highway in Newport Beach.  She veered into the left turn lane at Riverside and bounced off the corner.  The car went airborne over a convertible and landed on a motorcycle.  A total of 10 vehicles were involved in the accident and three people died in the crash. One of the three was Allen who sustained severe brain injuries and a skull fracture. Christopher De La Cruz, 49, of Laguna Niguel, and Linda Burnett, 69, of Santa Ana, also died in the Newport Beach accident.
 
This week, the Orange County Coroner's Office released a report stating that Allen had the antipsychotic drugs Olanzapine and Quetiapine in her system. These drugs are commonly prescribed for bipolar disorder and schizophrenia; both drugs may cause drowsiness and dizziness and those who use them should not drive until they know the effects of the drug. 
 
Allen had suffered from bipolar disorder and was consistently taking her medication.  No other drugs were found in her blood.

 
Update 6/8/2011: Police have determined that excess speed caused the accident.

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