This is a press release from the California Highway Patrol. The information has not been proven in a court of law and any individuals described should be presumed innocent until proven guilty:
On 12/30/2018, at approximately 2200 hours, [David] Amador (Pl) was traveling west bound on SR-20, just west of MEN 30.87 near the town of Willits. [He] was traveling west bound at a high rate of speed when he lost control of the Honda CR-V….and failed to negotiate a left (southerly) curve in the roadway. [The Honda] traveled off the roadway colliding through a fence and down a dirt embankment where [it] struck a tree and overturned. [Amador] succumbed to his injuries at the time of the collision. Due to being late at night, and heavy fog the next morning, the collision was not reported until approximately 1237 the following day. Representatives of the Ukiah CHP, Mendocino County Sheriffs Office, Willits Fire, and VeriHealth arrived on scene at approximately 1250. Willits Fire utilized Pneumatic extraction tools to remove Pl from VI. Alcohol and or drugs were not believed to be a factor in this collision. This collision is still under investigation.
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If no one was there to see it, how do they know it was a high rate of speed. How do you know he didnt fall asleep and his car traveled off roadway at a normal rate of speed.
Physics. Tracks are left in the form of skid and impact marks. Certain rates of speed can be calculated by the degree of damage on car, tree, etc.
I was going to say likely from the skid marks from him attempting to brake!!!
Will the tox report be a public record?
It should be. Death records are public records, but that doesn’t mean it will be released as a press release.
I imagine: Skid marks, damage to the car, distance car traveled off road, damage to surroundings… etc
May he rest in peace.
👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾🕊🕊🕊
Sorry david. I’m sad about this
Speedometer stuck at mph. If went airborne acceleration would be increased due to wheel rotation.
A few years ago 4 Mexicans hit a tree in Philo so hard their car was torn in two. I don`t see how they could get a Honda going that fast, especially uphill. The tree is a good sized old oak and it left quite a mark. As a highway patrolman once told me: “the tree always wins”
More times than not for a fact, yes!!! Especially with Redwood trees, as well as LARGE types of others!!!
Palm trees really suck too.
I have a Honda CRV, ( my second, great vehicles) and can attest that they have plenty of power and speed. Pre 2003, they were clunky. But in 2003, they dropped in an Acura engine, and in 2016, they changed to a gearless transmission. Fast and powerful.
Anytime you manage to get a vehicle split in two, there is often much more going on than meets the eye. Often a combination of abuse and neglect to the vehicle, as well as high rates of speed. Yes static crash tests don’t tell the whole story. But the odd’s of such things happening to a correctly maintained vehicle are ridiculously low.
As for vehicles having enough power. Look at the horsepower and torque wars of the last 3 decades. In the early to mid 90’s it was common to see cars still that could of had a hard time getting out of their own way. However Trucks and SUV’s rarely had that problem. They might not of had high top speeds. But Most weigh a minimum of 3700lbs which 4-5k being more of the average. Since people routinely tow, haul loads, or just pack the crap out of them. As opposed to a car that is likely to see primarily passenger loads rarely exceeding 1000lbs of payload. More commonly cars are see 150-600lbs of payload. Since the auto industry considers the average weight of a passenger to be 150lbs. With the average passenger amount often being two.
Most full sized trucks use only about 10% of their potential power at highway speed. horsepower is used pulling out from a dead stop, and getting up to speed. dealerships advertise a number for horsepower most folks don’t really understand. you can have a 500 HP corvette that weighs 3500 lbs, and goes 0-60 in 7 seconds, or you can have a 500 HP semi truck, that can haul 7 corvettes, but takes 50 seconds to get to 60.
Most bros’ making smoke in their pick-ups hauling their dog, and a little baggie of cocaine wouldn’t notice if their truck only had a 50 horsepower engine.
not always, I am living proof !
That spot in the road is so bad. they’re doing road work right there and they have dirt spread all over the paved road. It’s really slick right there and there’s no signs to slow down, no lines on the road, and when it’s foggy the road disappears, you hit the brakes and slide out. His family should sue caltrans
All real good speculation.
RIP. Notice the seat belt was not used. Wear it for your loved ones, if not for yourself.
there is no saying either way if he would have surived had he worn a death belt or not.
Rarely can you say that in any individual case. However overall population statistics do show your chances are better with a seatbelt than without it.
Troll much?
I would think you could drastically increase the odds that you could have a crash by dropping something and taking off your seat belt to reach just a little bit further.
Whatever the reason for his accident does not really seem to matter. He paid for it with his life. Glad no one else was involved. RIP and prayers for his family and friends.
Remember, just because you can go fast doesn`t mean you can stop or steer.
We had to be in Santa Rosa early on the day this happened and did not notice anything out of the ordinary on our way. The sun was just coming up. On our way home CHP was still taking measurements. The skid marks were prett long. Our condolences to his family and friends.
Condolences to his family and friends,
“Alcohol and or drugs were not believed to be a factor in this collision. ” I never understand how they can make that statement in a situation like this.
Seat belt wouldn’t have mattered, he was EXTRACTED from the vehicle.
Damn.. I’m miss this man we were engaged we had many trials and tribulations… it ended b4 we had any chance for it to truly began I miss this man every day it doesn’t get easy it doesn’t hurt any less I wish I could see him kiss him hug him and tell him I love him just one more time.. almost a year later this is the first time I’ve read any of the press releases.. trying to find healing and some closure… rest easy my love.. wait for me at the Gates..