MONTEREY CO. (KRON/BCN) — An 8-year-old boy was killed and another child was injured in a head-on collision in unincorporated Monterey County south of Watsonville in which one of the drivers fell asleep behind the wheel on Wednesday afternoon, according to the California Highway Patrol Thursday.
The children, both from Watsonville, were passengers in a black 1996 Honda Civic driven by a 35-year-old man heading east on Hall Road just east of Elkhorn Road shortly before 2 p.m., CHP officials said.
A 79-year-old Watsonville man in a maroon 2011 Mercedes-Benz going west on Hall Road fell asleep while he was driving and the vehicle crossed into an eastbound lane into the Honda’s path, according to the CHP.
The Honda driver, also from Watsonville, tried to avoid the Mercedes, but the front of both vehicles collided with each other, CHP officials said.
The 8-year-old boy suffered blunt force trauma to his neck and head. Emergency crews pronounced him dead at the scene, according to the CHP.
A 6-year-old boy was injured and airlifted to Santa Clara Valley Medical Center in San Jose, CHP officials said. An update on his condition was not immediately available this morning.
The younger passenger was not properly restrained in a car seat, according to the CHP.
While an 8-year-old child isn’t legally required to be in a car seat, the CHP recommends keeping them in one until they can be properly secured with a seatbelt over their shoulder and across their chest, CHP officials said.
The Honda driver suffered moderate injuries, including lacerations, and complained of pain to his leg and chest, CHP officials said.
The Mercedes driver was left with a bloody nose, according to the CHP.