A fatal crash on the San Mateo–Hayward Bridge last week is a stark reminder of how quickly distracted driving can turn deadly on busy Bay Area roadways. According to the California Highway Patrol, the crash occurred on Tuesday, January 20, and involved a Ford Transit utility van and a Kia sedan. CHP said the driver of the Ford Transit van was traveling at an unknown speed when he became distracted by his cellular phone and looked away from the road. When he returned his attention to the roadway, he saw a stalled Kia sedan directly in front of him. Despite efforts to avoid a collision, the van struck the sedan. The driver of the Kia, 54-year-old Mary Hurtado Duran, was pronounced dead at the scene by firefighters. The van’s driver sustained major injuries and was transported to Stanford Hospital. CHP has not released updates regarding his condition. Authorities have stated that no alcohol or drugs are suspected to have contributed to the crash. Any potential charges will be determined after the investigation is completed.
