Freeway Fatality

This came along the newswire and now I'm in a sad mood.

Date: 01-31-2008 4:29 PM - Word Count: 217

SD Freeway Fatality, 2nd Ld
Freak Freeway Accident Kills Homeless Man Sleeping on Roadside

ESCONDIDO (CNS) - A car driven by a teenager who apparently nodded offbehind the wheel crashed down an embankment along a North County freeway today,killing a transient sleeping on the hillside, authorities said.

The southbound 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt veered off Interstate 15 inEscondido shortly before 1 p.m., according to the California Highway Patrol. The sedan drifted onto the right shoulder, where it hit several roadsigns, caromed off a large boulder along the offramp at Ninth Avenue and becameairborne, CHP public affairs Officer Eric Newbury said.

The vehicle sailed about 65 feet before hitting the ground and smashinginto several trees, Newbury said. It then overturned and rolled over a 28-year-old man sleeping in the landscaped area, killing him instantly. The transient's name was unavailable.

The wreck left the motorist, 19-year-old Evan Barker of San Marcos, witha broken nose and other injuries believed to be minor, Newbury said. Medicstook him to Palomar Medical Center. Barker told investigators the accident occurred because he'd fallenasleep at the wheel, Newbury said.

I feel sad for the young homeless man and wonder how he became homeless. I feel sad for the young driver who will probably never be the same again. I don't know why this story affects me so, but it does.