Fatigue Likely Caused Fatal Crash, Pickup Truck Driver Facing Misdemeanor Charges

Last year, a tragic accident occurred on the Cotton Lane Bridge in Goodyear, Arizona, resulting in the deaths of two bicyclists and injuries to 14 others. The National Transportation Safety Board recently released its final report, attributing the cause of the crash to the driver’s fatigue.

The driver, Pedro Quintana-Lujan, 27, is now facing 11 misdemeanor charges in connection with the accident. Originally suspected of more serious offenses such as manslaughter and aggravated assault, Quintana-Lujan’s charges were downgraded due to lack of evidence for felony charges.

According to the NTSB report, Quintana-Lujan was in a “diminished state of alertness, likely due to fatigue,” at the time of the crash. Investigators also found that his speed and lack of response exacerbated the severity of the injuries sustained by the cyclists.

While Quintana-Lujan claimed his steering locked and caused the accident, NTSB investigators found no issues with his truck. Additionally, it was revealed that he had used marijuana the night before the crash, with traces of THC found in his system.

Despite the presence of THC, Arizona law does not have a standard for proving impairment by THC alone. As a result, felony charges were not pursued, and the case was sent back to the Goodyear Prosecutor’s Office where misdemeanor charges were filed.

If convicted, Quintana-Lujan could face a jail sentence. His pre-trial conference is scheduled for October 16, and his legal representation has not yet provided a statement.

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