Tesla DUI driver crashes into Caltrans truck at I-5 chain check, CHP says

REDDING, Calif. — [UPDATE 3:30 P.M.]

California Highway Patrol confirmed the driver of the Tesla had their six-year-old daughter in the car with them at the time of the crash. CHP Public Information Officer Jason Morton said the juvenile was thankfully fastened into their booster seat.

Both the driver and the child were taken to the hospital with serious injuries, according to CHP.

Morton said the crash could have been a lot worse if the Caltrans truck was not parked where it was, or if the Tesla went in another direction.

"I call that the 101 reason of why not to drive under the influence of alcohol," Morton said. "You might actually end up in a chain check area for inclement weather and crash into an attenuator truck just prior to being at a stop sign to see if you have chains to continue on.”

When it comes to charges, Morton said that all depends on prior history and what the district attorney decides to do.

He also said it is important to prepare for those who are able to travel during the storm. He said it's important to have food, water, blankets, and other supplies in your car in case of an emergency. He also said make sure you have a full tank of gas and check road condition before leaving.

[UPDATE 3 A.M.]

The California Highway Patrol said the driver of the Tesla, who is being treated for major injuries at the hospital, will be arrested for driving under the influence and child endangerment.

"Never drink and drive," the CHP said. "It’s a deadly situation to drive while impaired or distracted. It can affect people other than you, thousands of innocent people are hurt or killed by impaired driving every year! Slow For The Cone Zone!Luckily no one was killed in this collision."

[UPDATE 1:10 A.M.]

The California Highway Patrol says northbound I-5, 10 miles north of Redding, has reopened to traffic following a crash at the Fawndale exit.

According to Sgt. Giordano with the CHP, the driver of a Tesla was traveling at high speeds when they crashed into the back of a Caltrans attenuator truck.

Attenuator trucks are placed along roadsides to protect Caltrans and roadside workers, who were checking chains at the time of the crash.

Giordano said at least four people were saved, thanks to the Caltrans vehicle.

The driver of the Tesla and a child in the car were taken to the hospital with serious injuries. the CHP said. No other injuries were reported.

The official cause of the crash is under investigation.

[ORIGINAL]

Caltrans District 2 said northbound I-5 is closed at the Fawndale exit due to a crash.

There is no estimated time of reopening.

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This is a developing story, check back for updates.