Passenger Joseph Meza, 18 years old of Sutter Creek, was also transported to Sutter Roseville with reportedly major injuries. The fourth passenger, Rebecca Davis, 24 years old of Pioneer, was transported to UC Davis Med Center with major injuries including a possible spinal fracture and a broken pelvis. The identification of the fatal has been released. He is 32 year old Jeffrey Taylor of Sutter Creek. “We’re two for two now” states California Highway Patrol Community Outreach Officer John C Hardey.

Hardey emphasizes that we have had two fatal accidents, one a week, so far in 2007. Last week’s fatal occurred on Jan 3rd on Hwy 88 near the twin bridges in the Ione area. In that accident a 53 year old Lathrop man lost his life. Hardey states that drivers must “Slow down and take their time while driving.” Hardey also emphasized the deadly combination of alcohol and speed, and he states. combining any of those factors with what is expected to be record low temperatures this weekend could lead to more deadly results for drivers. “Driving conditions this weekend could extend icy roadways down to the lower elevations of the county and if we get any precipitation drivers will be looking at even more hazardous conditions with low snow levels” says Hardey. Remember pay attention, slow down, buckle up and do not take the wheel if you have been drinking- some good advice from the California Highway Patrol.