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Neal Hayden, owner of Martini's bait shop, cleans up rubble following a fatal accident on the corner of DeVries road and Highway 12 on Wednesday morning in Lodi. (Brian Feulner/News-Sentinel)

Stockton teen dies in crash on Highway 12

By Layla Bohm
News-Sentinel Staff Writer
Thursday, March 8, 2007 7:05 AM PST

Comments (105 comment(s))

An 18-year-old Stockton man died Wednesday morning after turning in front of an oncoming vehicle at the intersection of Highway 12 and DeVries Road, authorities said. His car collided with a nearby shed and house, then burst into flames.

Santos Javier Romero Jr. likely died from injuries during the collision before his car caught fire, California Highway Patrol spokesman Adrian Quintero said.

Romero became the seventh person to die in slightly more than a year on Highway 12 between Lodi and the Sacramento County line.

The In-N-Out employee was heading north approaching Highway 12 at 5:35 a.m. in a white 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo when he began to turn left, into the path of a westbound 1997 GMC Yukon driven by 57-year-old Anthony Silva, of Stockton, Quintero said.

Silva's vehicle hit a parked truck and Romero's car hit a storage shed at Martini's Bait and Tackle on the northwest corner of the intersection, then struck the building and attached house.

"You could hear the initial crash, then skidding and then it was like a bomb went off when it hit the house," said Pat Hayden, who runs the shop with her husband, Neal, and was giving a customer's dog a cookie when the collision happened.

She called 9-1-1, as did Deann Belden, who lives in the adjacent house. Belden was already awake, but the noise woke her two sons, Dustin and Darren, who rushed to help. Belden asked Silva if he was OK, and he was able to talk with her. He was later treated at Lodi Memorial Hospital for complaints of chest pain.

When one of Belden's sons tried to talk to Romero, there was no response.

Then the car burst into flames and they couldn't get Romero out of the car.

"The fire extinguisher didn't do anything, and then we were trying to get buckets of water," Belden said.

Her sons got buckets and her husband ran for a hose but then Woodbridge firefighters arrived and put out the fire, which badly singed the barn-shaped shed that had housed fishing lures handcrafted by Neal Hayden.

In the nine years the Haydens have run their shop, which sees a steady stream of morning customers to stop for coffee, they've seen numerous accidents.


Pat Hayden, a worker at Martini's bait shop and convenience store, talks about the fatal car wreck that occurred early Wednesday morning in front of the store. (Brian Feulner/News-Sentinel)

"This is the second fatality on this corner since we've been here, but total accident numbers I couldn't even tell you," Pat Hayden said.

If nothing else, she and her husband would like to see flashing lights warning drivers about the stop signs.

"We need something done, at least a flashing light," Pat Hayden said. "People speed. It's not the highway, it's the people driving the highway."

Both Romero and Silva were wearing their seat belts and drugs and alcohol were not considered to be factors, Quintero said. Silva's speed was estimated at 55 mph, the legal limit.

The CHP is working to get the road dubbed a "safety corridor," Quintero said. Such designation would get them more funding to increase traffic enforcement.

Additionally, the Stockton CHP office was just allocated another 400 hours of enforcement along Highway 12, meaning that more officers will be on the road, Quintero said. He added that the extra patrol will include an airplane that can track vehicles from the air, since it's difficult for CHP vehicles to get through traffic on the two-lane road.

Contact reporter Layla Bohm at layla@lodinews.com.

Traffic fatalities along Highway 12 between Lodi and Sacramento County line:

2004 — two
2005 — four
2006 — six, with a total of seven victims
2007 — one, as of Wednesday
Source: California Highway Patrol.



First published: Thursday, March 8, 2007

Reader Feedback

ref wrote on Mar 24, 2007 3:43 AM:

" Point goes to Lodian. Nice one. "

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Lodian wrote on Mar 22, 2007 6:42 PM:

" Going by stkngirl19's logic...since all accidents are the fault of the driver then why look for a solution in the driver? People who are not doing a good job on the road will not change their habits unless they are FORCED to change. Forcing them to change means to add more law enforcement on HWY12 as well as barriers and some stops/lights etc. Seems pretty logical to be! I really don't see how hoping people will drive better will make them drive better. Is this an old Catholic thing? Make them feel guilty enough to change?...LOL!...NOT going to happen! "

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Lodian wrote on Mar 22, 2007 6:33 PM:

" My post on March 21, 2007 @ 10:32 PM should have read "Lodian" in the name line, not "stkngirl19". "

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Lodian wrote on Mar 21, 2007 10:36 PM:

" stkngirl19: You said, "open containers were found in the vehicle of the latest crash on St. Patrick's Day". That's all the more reason to add more safety measures to HWY12, but I know your position on this... let's ask people to be more responsible. Ugh! When do you think your solution will take effect? Time frame? "

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stkngirl19 wrote on Mar 21, 2007 10:32 PM:

" stkngirl19: You say... "I can only assume the reason you have so little faith in people being able to raise responsible kids because you lack the ability to do so yourself". That is an interesting statement as you are always the one that hates teenagers on every blog. You have hope and put faith in the thought/idea that drivers will/should be more responsible, but you always blame the drivers!!! You talk out of both sides of your mouth. I don't think you know what you're saying! "

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Lodian wrote on Mar 21, 2007 10:26 PM:

" stkngirl19: You go ahead and tell all these grieving families that HWY12 needs no changes and that we should all just be more responsible. You go ahead and hope for the driver. coming the other way at 60mph to be responsible. Me? I want a barrier and/or road changes to make darn sure they mind the road. You can act noble all you like, but that will not change drivers. Perhaps you are too naive to understand that fact. "

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stkngirl19 wrote on Mar 21, 2007 12:00 PM:

" Lodian...Like I said before, If they made all the changes to highway 12 that you suggest(lower speed limit, add a signal light, make it two lanes, add a center divide) the road would end up just like West Lane. The three "teens" that just died on West Lane did so street racing. I wasn't comparing the two roads in their current condition. You must have misread what I wrote, again. "

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stkngirl19 wrote on Mar 21, 2007 11:49 AM:

" Lodian...This is getting redundant with you, again. I'm done. By the way, open containers were found in the vehicle of the latest crash on St. Patricks Day. I can only assume the reason you have so little faith in people being able to raise responsible kids because you lack the ability to do so yourself. "

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Lodian wrote on Mar 20, 2007 8:55 PM:

" I don't think you can compare West Lane to HWY12. "

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Lodian wrote on Mar 20, 2007 8:48 PM:

" stkngirl19: I don't think you are looking at reality here. People are involved in terrible accidents on HWY12 and you want parents to teach their kids to be more responsible. Uh, okay...that is a lofty ideal, not reality. Reality is your ideal world of everyone being great parents/great drivers/great kids etc will never exist. Therefore it is time to look into a new idea, a new direction...practical ideas...like making changes to the road that all licensed drivers are allowed to travel, even the flawed human beings and dangerous drivers. "

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Lodian wrote on Mar 20, 2007 8:36 PM:

" stkngirl19: Okay, let me ask the question this way... How are you going to MAKE "people have some respect for the privledge of driving" so the accidents will decrease?? "

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stkngirl19 wrote on Mar 20, 2007 3:01 PM:

" (continued..) Isn't West Lane where the three kids just died street racing? Or were they chasing someone? "

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stkngirl19 wrote on Mar 20, 2007 2:59 PM:

" Lodian...I'm looking at the bigger picture here, not the band-aid solution. You can fix the road all day long but until people have some respect for the privledge of driving, it isn't going to cause less deaths. Even if they did make all these changes to highway 12 as you suggest, people are still going to drive like idiots. Matter of fact, all the changes you talk about would turn highway 12 into a road very similar to West Lane. "

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stkngirl19 wrote on Mar 20, 2007 2:51 PM:

" Lodian...If EVERYONE would be respectful of our laws and abide by them, you wouldn't have to worry about a drunk driver hitting you head on. "

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Lodian wrote on Mar 20, 2007 2:05 PM:

" stkngirl19: I'll try and restate my comment... "How is ones "personal accountability" going to save ones family from someone that crosses the center line at 65 mph or more and hits ones car head on?" "

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Lodian wrote on Mar 20, 2007 2:02 PM:

" stkngirl19: I understood you. I was making a point. Perhaps I was not articulating my point very well. My main point is that you will NEVER be able to expect "personal accountability" by everyone that drives on HWY12. That's the way life is. Humans are fallible and then there are the people that intend to indulge in bad behavior. Therefore, we must take actions to keep ourselves safe...on the road, in our homes etc. I ask you...what is your solution for the HWY12 problem?...besides asking everyone to be accountable, as all will not comply. "

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Tired wrote on Mar 20, 2007 1:56 PM:

" "[Staff note: See the March 19 regional roundup.]" Please tell me what is and is not newsworthy for this paper. How is it that this boy deserves more attention than those poor souls that died on St Patricks day? This is a HUGE issue and if the local news continues to push these tragedies under the rug then nothing will be done.... TELL THE WORLD "STAFF"!! You are not helping the cause...not everyone hears a whisper!!!! For heavens sake, even Sacramento television reported them. "

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OH DEAR... wrote on Mar 20, 2007 12:18 PM:

" Why sit here and argue about what needs to be changed? What is it really going to do? Nothing! Just like people can't change over night neither can roads or rules. Its all about habits people have set for themselves. You can't change a habit that easily. Even if there are light and center divides someone will disobey the rules. Run a red light or try to pass and hit the centr divide. No improvements will change the drivers, it will only improve the road. It sucks, but its true. So just drive on the defense. "

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stkngirl19 wrote on Mar 20, 2007 10:03 AM:

" Lodian.. You must have misread my comment. I wasn't suggesting you be responsible for every driver on 12. I said we, not you, meaning everyone. "

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Lodian wrote on Mar 20, 2007 12:52 AM:

" stkngirl19: If someone cannot remember if they were drinking or not then they probably were drinking. I can only have "personal accountability" for myself, not all the other drivers on hwy12 so that doesn't really help the road to be safe to travel. "

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Lodian wrote on Mar 20, 2007 12:51 AM:

" stkngirl19: How is my "personal accountability" going to save my family from someone that crosses the center line at 65 mph or more and hits my car head on? "

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Lodian wrote on Mar 19, 2007 6:43 PM:

" stkngirl19: If someone cannot remember if they were drinking or not then they probably were drinking. Also, I can only have "personal accountability" for myself, not all the other drivers on hwy12 so that doesn't really help the road to be safe to travel. "

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stkngirl19 wrote on Mar 19, 2007 3:07 PM:

" To Lodian...The driver was killed in the Saturday accident (St. Patricks Day) so its going to be 3-5 weeks before they get the toxicology results from him. The passenger in that car "couldn't remember" if they were drinking or not. Funding was just cut again to fix this road. We better look into personal accountability until they can decide whether or not to fix the road. "

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Lodian wrote on Mar 19, 2007 8:47 AM:

" Wow, not even a mention of Saturday nights tragic deaths on hwy 12 in today's Lodi News Sentinel. Why? [Staff note: See the March 19 regional roundup.] "

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Lodian wrote on Mar 18, 2007 11:37 PM:

" The LNS traffic stats posted here do not include accidents, near misses, speeding and other traffic violations, injuries, DUI's and people maimed and sent to the hospital due to accidents on hwy12. "

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Lodian wrote on Mar 18, 2007 11:31 PM:

" There have been TWO MORE DEATHS on hwy12! Last night (Saturday night) two people were killed when two vehicles collided head-on at about 9pm by I5. A young boy was air lifted to LMH. How many of you, that do not think this is a dangerous road, still feel hwy12 doesn't need safety improvements? This is far beyond the realm of any "normal" percentage of accidents. "

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cindy vaughn wrote on Mar 18, 2007 6:57 PM:

" please lets just all slow it down and be more careful not only do teenagers drive fast and furious but my 38 year old boyfriend does and tailgates too!!! I hope this never happens to him or anyone else "

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Lodian wrote on Mar 17, 2007 10:09 PM:

" (con't)...What am I trying to tell you? I'm telling you that good people make mistakes. This young adult could have been one of the safest drivers you know. He could have been a great guy, a real responsible person. Many of us do not know him, but I am sure many of us have made a mistake or will make one. Nobody lives on this Earth without making a mistake. This mistake killed this young, father to be. What a shame. The point? Make this road safer by adding a stop light, lower speed limits, barriers and law enforcement. "

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Lodian wrote on Mar 17, 2007 10:07 PM:

" I'm not saying the river in the Yukon was speeding, but I just wanted to ad my experience. I, on more than one occasion as I live near by, have tried to turn onto hwy12 in this area and first made my stop then proceeded to move forward only to make a last minute decision to stop again. Why? Well, because the on-coming car looked to be speeding and was approaching much faster than it should. There have also been times when the sun is on the horizon and it is really a challenge to see the on-coming cars....(con't) "

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ashley wrote on Mar 16, 2007 5:44 PM:

" you nkow a lot of people blame it on the people who raised their kids you gugs are rong your no better than anybody.you guys need to keep your mouth shut you did not know him at all he was a soon to be father and the kindest person in the world he was tryin to step up his responsibilities unlike most guys these days they just walk out no he was tryin to suport his family so you goys who think your parenting is better than most peoples your so rong.you need help and talk about someone you no....... "

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Lodian wrote on Mar 13, 2007 7:38 PM:

" Also, it's not only teens that cause accidents and death on the road. "

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Lodian wrote on Mar 13, 2007 7:37 PM:

" stkngirl19: It will never happen. No matter what people "should" do, there will ALWAYS be people that are not careful law abiding drivers. This includes teens and adults and even people that make mistakes. We need to address this issue with something other than wishing people would do a better job on the road. That's like saying I sure hope I don't need my seatbelt today and then never being proactive about it. We can't just wish/hope for people to be good drivers. Solution? "

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stkngirl19 wrote on Mar 13, 2007 12:28 PM:

" To Lodian...My short answer is people need to raise their kids to respect our laws and view driving as a privledge. "

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Lodian wrote on Mar 13, 2007 10:00 AM:

" stkngirl19: "Teen driving is clearly an issue of parenting, not police work or highways." I agree with your statement, now what should be done about it? And I am not willing to bet my life on other parents doing their job. So, what to do? There's the problem, there's the blame, now what is the solution? "

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Lodian wrote on Mar 13, 2007 9:57 AM:

" get a clue: Stop lights, barriers and enforcement would slow traffic and prevent more deaths. The point is that if there are people, adults and teens, that insist on driving dangerously then we must take matters into our own hands and physically limit what bad behavior is allowed. This would mean making changes to the road and how many officers watch this road. We can't wait for people to do the right thing, many will never do the right thing. "

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Lodian wrote on Mar 13, 2007 9:52 AM:

" stkngirl19: Agreed agreed agreed! But we have got to make some changes on this road because I do not want to wait for the parents of irresponsible kids (and every irresponsible adult, which there are many) to learn how to behave on the road! I want to LIVE while these people are parenting their kids! Hoping parents will do their job will not stop the deaths. The laws need to be enforced and permanent changes need to be made on hwy12. "

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To Lodian...get a clue wrote on Mar 13, 2007 7:47 AM:

" Lower the speed limit because of bad drivers who already ignore limits? How about throw them in prison for attempted murder and throw away the key? You may obey laws, but many people wont no matter what the speed limits is? Get a clue! These are scum bags with no concern for others! "

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What? Roads Cause Accidents? wrote on Mar 13, 2007 7:40 AM:

" It's the ignorant, conceited attitudes that cause accidents, not the roads OR the cars...HELLLLO! It the moron drivers we are faced with every day. Everyone knows those country roads are filled with illegals who are usually drunk, even at 7am, have no licenses and/or insurance, etc. BLAME THE COURTS and demented attorneys who still allow them on streets! But most of all, put the blame where it is due...on the idiot drivers! We need more CHP sting operations STATE WIDE!!!!!!!!!! "

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stkngirl19 wrote on Mar 12, 2007 4:29 PM:

" As far as your idea about improving highway 12...If that ever gets done its going to take forever and if they make all the changes that you speak of it should end up much like West Lane where the 3 kids were just killed street racing. Teen driving is clearly an issue of parenting, not police work or highways. "

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stkngirl19 wrote on Mar 12, 2007 4:22 PM:

" To Lodian...It seems like nowadays teens view vehicles more like a toy than a potentially dangerous weapon.Teens are either street racing or ghost riding the whip doing hyphy stunts. They act like its their right to drive instead of a privledge. This attitude puts everyone on the road at risk. Until parents take resonsibility and provide their teens with a better foundation, they are the very people who are going to hear about it. "

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NEWSFLASH wrote on Mar 12, 2007 4:05 PM:

" Its a parents responsibility to teach their kids to obey traffic laws and respect the PRIVLEDGE to drive. Its the cops job to enforce the laws you've hopefully taught them. "

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Lodian wrote on Mar 12, 2007 2:59 PM:

" ann: Like you, some teens will not slow down until they experience a death close to them. Until then I guess we all have to be at their mercy as road changes to hwy12 seem to be an unpopular idea here. I can't help but wonder if I was spared a near miss by you when you were a teen racer. "

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Lodian wrote on Mar 12, 2007 2:56 PM:

" As long as people just complain about other drivers and their bad choices on the road, as well as complain about the parents of teens, we will continue to see more death on this road. You cannot change driving attitudes overnight, but you can get the law out there to enforce the law and make immediate changes on this road with lights, stops and barriers. I guess some would rather continue to whine about others. Too bad. Unless there is more of an uproar for change, nothing will change. "

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ann wrote on Mar 12, 2007 1:16 PM:

" This is terrible. Drive Safe everyone..geez is it that hard for some teens to slow down. They think they are so cool speeding past people on streets, blarring their music. I think cops need to start issuing tickets for loud music, since the louder and faster the music, the faster they drive. (I did it too, but then after a friends death, I realized my mistakes). "

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Teenage drivers: wrote on Mar 12, 2007 12:19 PM:

" The last few days i know of 4 deaths involving teenage drivers (the street race on west lane and this one) and it looks like things aren't going to change as long as we have adults going around blaming it on the roads. These teenage drivers and their parents need to wake. No if and or butts about it. "

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delta12 wrote on Mar 12, 2007 12:13 AM:

" The problem is illegal moves. Passing illegally on double yellow lines, around turns, up hills, in front of driveways, and side streets. Don't widen the highway. Just enforce the laws. "

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Lodian wrote on Mar 11, 2007 7:04 PM:

" stkngirl19:I agree 100% that drivers need to do a better job of paying attention.We don't need to die on the road due to negligence,mistakes and careless behavior.The problem is that I don't want to wait for people to change on their own. They never will(let alone the ones that drive like idiots on purpose!).So,I'd like to see restrictive changes on hwy12 BEFORE there's another death.We can complain about idiot drivers all day long, but most will not change by their own choice.The make-up of hwy 12 allows for careless behavior. We need changes to the road AND we-need-the-law-out-there! "

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Lodian wrote on Mar 11, 2007 6:53 PM:

" info: While everything you say is absolutely correct, there will be no changes until hwy12 has more enforcement and until the road is restructured so that certain dangerous driving is impossible. Lowered speed, no passing (a big one!) and no crossing from side streets unless a light is added. I say only one light should be added from Lodi to Flag City. All other roads cannot cross two lanes to get to the other side. Speed, passing and drifting into the oncoming lane are when most hwy12 accidents occur. "

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Lodian wrote on Mar 11, 2007 6:48 PM:

" People are NOT going to stop making mistakes. The only thing we can do is demand that there be more law enforcement as well as changes in what is allowed on this road. If there were a barrier in the middle then people wouldn't be able to cross or pass...period. If the speed limit were lowered there wouldn't be as many speed related accidents. This would allow the people among us, that are trying to be as careful as we possibly can, to at least have a chance to drive on this road without this high number of accidents. "

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sam wrote on Mar 11, 2007 3:35 PM:

" Well said, Stkngirl19. "

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shaukat ali wrote on Mar 11, 2007 6:44 AM:

" most of accidents take place due to over speeding.traffic police need to control over speeding on this road. "

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info wrote on Mar 10, 2007 8:32 PM:

" I don't know what happened at this accident.I can tell you from 35 years of driving Hwy 12 this road more idiots than any other road I have driven!Drive 55 mph,dont tailgate,USE your rearview mirror! Don't eat when driving on this road.If your late for work be extra late or call in sick.Nobody should die because your late. Driving drousy on this road is a big mistake! "

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stkngirl19 wrote on Mar 10, 2007 7:57 PM:

" The fact is Anthony Silva lays in the hospital in critical condition right now because someone ran a stop sign. I'm tired of hearing about innocent law abiding citizens suffering due to someone elses negligence while driving. It doesn't matter if its street racing, drunk driving, or not stopping at stop signs, the consequence is deadly. If people would take responsibility for their driving and stop blaming the road, we might have less deaths. "

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A Concerned Trucker wrote on Mar 10, 2007 1:02 PM:

" Lodian: "Of all people I'd think you would agree that improvements should be made on Hwy12". I disagree. H12's well-designed traffic controls are meaningless when ignored. Place the responsibility for incidents like this where it belongs: with people who cheerfully ignore traffic laws. I have 1M+ accident/citation-free miles of OTR experience and have never encountered a 'bad road'. Aggressive/unlawful/disrespectful behavior on public highways is a huge problem in California, and this was the root cause of this tragedy. "

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Lodian wrote on Mar 9, 2007 11:33 AM:

" trucker: Your lack of compassion for this 18 year old says volumes about you. I'm sure you've never made a mistake or had a close call in that rig of yours, right? Come on! "

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Lodian wrote on Mar 9, 2007 11:32 AM:

" trucker:You don't care to support actions that would..."...modify roads to prevent dangerous behavior."??? So...are there any roads that should be improved or do we just leave ourselves at the mercy of any accident waiting to happen.Why do we have stop lights,stop signs,crosswalks...etc?? Maybe we should do away with all of those things since it's the driver that should be doing a better job anyway, right? Of all people I'd think you would agree that improvements should be made on Hwy12.Perhaps you aren't as innocent as you describe.Truckers are never offenders of traffic laws and common courtesy,right? "

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A Concerned Trucker wrote on Mar 9, 2007 10:17 AM:

" A parting thought: it's difficult for me to lose sleep over this incident. I obey trafic laws and have a perfect driving record. And I expend a LOT of effort defensively avoiding bad drivers. H12 doesn't need upgrades: bad drivers need citations and hefty fines, licences need revocation and vehicles impounded. I'd rather pay CHP what they need to get the job done than to modify roads to prevent dangerous behavior. "

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A Concerned Trucker wrote on Mar 9, 2007 10:03 AM:

" Country Resident says it perfectly. I travel H12/Davis Road a lot, and stay under the speed limit. Every yahoo his his rice-rocket or SUV constantly flies up on my back end, tailgates for a while, then roars around me on double-yellow line at 90+ mph., and without signaling of course. I've had cups of coffee thrown at me because I wouldn't get out of someone's way, a constant barage of obscene finger gestures, 'brake jobs', and the usual faux-sideswipe maneuver. More 'accidents' will happen, guaranteed. "

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Lodian wrote on Mar 9, 2007 7:40 AM:

" Of course accidents are not caused by the road itself, but the road set-up allows for these accidents by not being set-up as safe as it should be. There needs to be a light somewhere down hwy 12 from Lodi to I5 at least. And only at that light should people be able to cross these 2 lanes onto hwy 12 from any cross street (country road). Other roads (say DeVries onto hwy12 as in this accident) should be restricted only to turn into the side they are on, no crossing traffic. All this at the very least! "

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Country Resident wrote on Mar 9, 2007 12:47 AM:

" I travel DeVries road every morning around 0700. I am constaintly being unsafely passed by hurried drivers trying to get to their jobs. These same drivers "roll" past the stop sign at Devries and HWY 12 trying, and sometimes just barely beating the cross-trafic vechicles. It is not the road, but the drivers not leaving early enough to safely drive to work on time. WISE UP!! "

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concerned wrote on Mar 8, 2007 10:25 PM:

" I completely agree with Lodian's comment that the speed limit should be reduced. Along with that there should be a cement divider that runs throughtout Hwy 12. I feel horrible for the family! "

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One more Lodian wrote on Mar 8, 2007 6:24 PM:

" I was involved in a terrible accident on a dangerous stretch of hwy 88 in Amador County. The road didn't cause it, though; a drunk, drugged-up driver did. No matter how dangerous hwy 12 is, a driver was at fault here. That's the sad truth. May he rest in peace. "

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Lodian wrote on Mar 8, 2007 3:32 PM:

" Besides the obvious (drivers being very careful)... The ONLY way this hwy 12 situation will improve is if stop signs and lights are installed, speed limits decreased, lanes widened (four lanes?) and the patrols are beefed up. It's way past due for improvements on hwy 12. How many more generations in this area have to know (all to well) that this is one of the most dangerous highways in the country? "

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Lodian wrote on Mar 8, 2007 3:26 PM:

" To those that say it's not the road's fault that there are a lot of accidents... do you not understand that the road is not set up well for such high volume traffic? Of course hwy 12 is not a living breathing entity, it's a road. A road that does not carry the heavy traffic load safely. Yes, drivers make mistakes, but the road needs to be designed and updated/maintained for today's high volume. Personally, I think the speed limit is too high for this kind of two lane road with all the side streets that connect to it. "

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Lodian wrote on Mar 8, 2007 3:22 PM:

" Maybe the speed limit on hwy 12 should be lowered to 35 all the way to I5 at least. And then it would need to be ENFORCED! "

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Lodian wrote on Mar 8, 2007 3:20 PM:

" I wonder if Silva, the Yukon's driver, had his headlights on as it was 5:35am. Perhaps Romero couldn't see the approaching Yukon as he pulled out into Silva's lane. Also, witnesses said they "heard" a crash and then skidding. Why wouldn't they hear the squeal of breaks first as the Yukon surely would have hit the breaks when Romero pulled out in front of him? Just wondering if maybe neither of these drivers saw the other. I know I am always watching those side streets for cars when I drive in that area. "

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Blew through a stop sign wrote on Mar 8, 2007 2:45 PM:

" it says in the paper that he ran a stop sign. it doesnt state how fast he was driving. the person who he pulled out in front of was said to be driving the speed limit of 55. he is in the hospital in critical condition. get the facts straight people. "

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DEE wrote on Mar 8, 2007 1:31 PM:

" It's sad that this had to happen to such a young man. I was fortunate enough to have met this young man, he was a very kind and gentle person, He just made a bad decision to pull out and turn infront of an oncomming vehicle. My heart goes out to his mother. Regardless whos at fault, everyones harsh comments are not necessary..... "

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Lodian wrote on Mar 8, 2007 1:16 PM:

" To Lodian: I certainly do not agree that it is "lacking common sense" to have an accident. Very sharp, intelligent and careful drivers have accidents every single day. And your statement "HAD HE NOT BEEN DRIVING HE WOULD STILL BE ALIVE" is just simply ignorant. Many parish in accidents everyday and they all are not lacking in common sense that should keep them from driving everyday. I'm positive you have had close calls. "

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Lodian wrote on Mar 8, 2007 1:07 PM:

" Sounds like this was purely an accident. No alcohol, no drugs, no speeding...just an accident. I know I have had a hard time seeing cars on the roads in this area as I try to turn onto hwy 12. The sun can be blinding at certain times of day. We all take our lives in our hands in spades when we drive hwy 12. These are old country roads that are now expected to handle highway traffic of a fast growing area. It just isn't working. "

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Noni wrote on Mar 8, 2007 12:58 PM:

" I can remember back in the mid 90's when a mother with four children was hit by a train coming back to Lodi from Stockton I believe. She rushed to cross. If we aren't there for these ACCIDENTS, then we don't really know what happened do we. Think before writing if possible. "

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left hand turns wrote on Mar 8, 2007 12:54 PM:

" are the cause of most fatal accidents due to judgement and perception, as previously mentioned. When it doubt, don't make that turn. Speeding wasn't the cause of this accident, however, speeding does kill, as does making unsafe lane changes, illegal passing, tailgating, driving in a hurry, talking on cell phones, blowing through red lights and stop signs. The roads don't kill. It's not 12's fault. It's driver's who are at fault. But clearly not in this case. It's very sad. "

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judgement and perception wrote on Mar 8, 2007 12:51 PM:

" when making left hand turns are the most dangerous. It's hard to tell the rate of speed a car is approaching when turning left, especially in rural areas. When in doubt, just don't take that chance. It's a very sad thing that happened. While speeding isn't a factor, judgement and perception was the probable cause, especially in the early morning hours. "

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mini wrote on Mar 8, 2007 12:38 PM:

" I am tired of people saying it's the highway...IT'S NOT!! It's not like the highway has these crazy curves or big bumps...or unknown objects in the way. It truly is the result of erratic driving habits. the safety corridor would be great but that does not mean wrecks won't still happen. P.S. Drive safe and watch for others! "

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lodian_33 wrote on Mar 8, 2007 11:51 AM:

" Some of you are very ignorant. This is a very tragic ACCIDENT!! I have had an accident where a guy turned right out in front of me on Harney and Ham... I dont blame him.. (he was probably in his 40s.. since some of you think its all about the age) He didnt see me... It was an ACCIDENT!! I am sorry to the families that have been hurt by this..You are in my prayers. "

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To Lodian... wrote on Mar 8, 2007 10:50 AM:

" "An 18-year-old Stockton man died Wednesday morning after turning in front of an oncoming vehicle at the intersection of Highway 12 and DeVries Road, authorities said." That is a pretty CLEAR statement that the 18 year old lacked common sense to drive safely and that HAD HE NOT BEEN DRIVING HE WOULD STILL BE ALIVE! "

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Caliwings wrote on Mar 8, 2007 10:03 AM:

" I am really tired of this argument.... the CHP says it's unsafe driving while the people say it's the highway. The CHP doesn't patrol the 12 because there is no shoulder to pull speeders over to for almost the entire length to Solano County. And people, we only argue about this when it's convienent, in this case over 3 corpses. What you should ask yourself is, would you care if 3 people weren't dead? "

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A Concerned Trucker wrote on Mar 8, 2007 9:46 AM:

" The solution to this problem is within us all: obey all traffic laws and be polite and respectful to other motorists. Above all, people need to use better judgement out on the road, and keep their emotions in check. More law enforcement might help, but it won't solve the problem. I consider everyone on the road to be friends, neighbors, family and co-workers, and behave accordingly, because THEY ARE. Be safe out there! "

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X LODIAN wrote on Mar 8, 2007 8:44 AM:

" ITS SAD HOW PEOPLE SIT HERE AND JUDGE PEOPLE. I AGREE ON HOW SOME TEENAGERS DRIVING JUDGEMENTS OR VERY POOR. BUT NOONE NOWS WHAT HAPPENED HERE. THE FACT THAT SOME PEOPLE COULD WRITE HOW THE TEENAGER WAS GIVEN THE CAR BY THE PARENT IS WRONG. HOW DO YOU KNOW HE DID NOT BUY IT HIMSELF. I BOUGHT MY FIRST CAR WHEN I WAS 18 (BRAND NEW OFF THE DEALERS LOT). THE FAMILY OF THE VICTIM IS SUFFERING FOR SUCH A TERRIBLE LOSS AND DONT NEED TO HERE THIS NEGITVE STUFF. "

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Machasjen wrote on Mar 8, 2007 8:40 AM:

" Pray for this young man's family. Don't assume you knew him or that you know the cause of the accident. I highly doubt he intended on ending his life this way on this particular day. He sounds like maybe he was on the way to work? Nonetheless he is now deceased and sharp comments will not reverse what has happened. Maybe getting on the education bandwagon would help save some lives on this horrible highway. Promote safety to our children and our community. "

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stkngirl19 wrote on Mar 8, 2007 8:35 AM:

" Whenever theres a death that occurs like in this case or the street racing case, people are too emotional to look at it for what it really is. The drivers fault and highly preventable.What if your family member was injured or killed because of a negligent driver? Best wishes to Anthony Silva and the others affected by this. "

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Sally wrote on Mar 8, 2007 8:27 AM:

" My condolences and to J & D Auto Body good job getting those cars out of there. "

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another Lodian wrote on Mar 8, 2007 8:25 AM:

" did anyone stop to think that brakes in the car could have given out, or he maybe had a seizure or passed out? Think before you type the insensitive comments! You shouldn't post something just based on your premonitions! That's just plain heartless! "

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Amazed wrote on Mar 8, 2007 8:23 AM:

" Okay, I agree that 12 is high risk. But all of the accidents are not caused by the road. The accidents are caused by high speeders, passing illegally, and driving without due caution. Facts are facts. "

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To Lodian wrote on Mar 8, 2007 8:18 AM:

" They know the situation OK? "

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T & C wrote on Mar 8, 2007 8:09 AM:

" It was more important for Lodi to spend those road monies on Lower Sac and Kettleman widening through town to the businesses and developments for Gillespie, Snyder and Geweke than to widen Highway 12 at least to I-5. They spent some monet putting those rumble strips in and called it good. Keeping their developer klan rich is more important to them. "

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Lodian wrote on Mar 8, 2007 1:21 AM:

" It must be nice: Also, why would you automatically think this young man got his car from his parents? He is an 18 year old young adult driving a four year old car (worth maybe 9K?). It is not inconceivable that he had purchased and paid for this car himself. That's a very petty statement in this case I must say. "

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Lodian wrote on Mar 8, 2007 1:18 AM:

" It Must Be Nice: You are assuming way too much here. The details are few so far. Perhaps you could wait a day or so until the details come out before you attack/bash this young man, his parents and anyone else involved. "

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Lodian wrote on Mar 8, 2007 1:10 AM:

" Too many deaths. My condolences to this poor family that lost a son. This is horrible. "

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STOP RAMPANT CRIME!!!! wrote on Mar 7, 2007 9:27 PM:

" Thanks to corrupt attorneys and justice systems, criminal go free while good citizens continue to suffer.., SHAME on these criminal attorneys and their DEALS...SHAME on our court system that allows such leniency... Shame on those who sit idly by and whine, instead of MAKING a difference. STOP CRIMINAL ATTORNEYS and the crimes they protect!!! "

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It Must Be Nice... wrote on Mar 7, 2007 9:23 PM:

" for mommey and daddy to hand the keys to a 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo to an 18 year old. Too bad they do not show the responsibilty to be a careful driver. In this case their lack of common sense cost them their life! In 1974, I was struck head on by a 21 year old drunk driver going 80 going the wrong way on I-5. I was 20 back then, and am still disabled, but alive! "

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Cycloray wrote on Mar 7, 2007 6:11 PM:

" How about a stop light here??? the little blinker is not enough "

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sam wrote on Mar 7, 2007 5:33 PM:

" So sad. I heard the sirens at sunrise and knew it was something bad. "

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roger wrote on Mar 7, 2007 4:17 PM:

" Loyla... You didn't mention if alcohol was involved. Do you have any information on either of these drivers being drunk? "

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Lodi Native wrote on Mar 7, 2007 4:02 PM:

" How many people have to die on Highway 12 before changes can be made? Lodi has lost quite a few young people & entire families on this horrible Hwy. Enough is enough!!! "

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Weezer wrote on Mar 7, 2007 3:41 PM:

" Even 5-year olds know what a red light or a 'STOP' sign means. Another young life taken away, another tragic accident that could have been prevented. My condolences to the family of the deceased young man. "

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stkngirl19 wrote on Mar 7, 2007 2:05 PM:

" Heres wishing all the innocent bystanders a speedy recovery! "

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friend of the family wrote on Mar 7, 2007 1:43 PM:

" The 57 year old man is in critical condition and my prayers go out to his family. "

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Somebody wrote on Mar 7, 2007 1:17 PM:

" This week has had some really bad wrecks on SR12. SR 12 needs to be widened to 4 lanes from Fairfield to Lodi. "

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E. wrote on Mar 7, 2007 1:02 PM:

" My condolences. The road is terrible and I avoid it at all costs. The day that an actual divided freeway is built between Lodi and Fairfield can't come soon enough. "

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Former Lodi Resident wrote on Mar 7, 2007 12:57 PM:

" Another one? When will kids these days learn to follow traffic laws? "

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Had Drivers Training on SR12 wrote on Mar 7, 2007 12:46 PM:

" Every day this week there has been a wreck on 12 with somebody dying. On Monday a Mustang driving recklessly hit a Hyundai head-on. Yesterday two big rigs hit a minivan stopping to turn on Azevedo Road. Today it is the 18-year-old into Martini's/old Idlewild. 12 is already a double-fine and 55mph zone. A state Assembly member complained that those laws are needed without checking that these are already in place. Instead, SR12 needs to be 4 lanes from Fairfield to Hwy 99 and not the occasional passing lane between Fairfield and Rio Vista. "

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to bad thats what happens wrote on Mar 7, 2007 12:31 PM:

" stop signs are for stopping there not for slowing down or crossing at ones own risk i see it everyday people running stop signs at night when they think nobodys looking or in the day at a large intersection and they think they see every angle so just slow down and go these kids shouldnt be learning there parents bad habits behind the wheel "

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Acampo wrote on Mar 7, 2007 12:29 PM:

" Another victim of the DEADLY 12. When are we going to learn, and fix that death trap??? "

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speeding wrote on Mar 7, 2007 12:03 PM:

" Well another one dies...who would have thought that.On a roadway that people think they do not have to stop or are invisible on many times I have had people pull right out from one of the four side roads from Lodi to Phillips farm and do so like they didnt have a care in the world and that it was there fault that you are right up there bumper because they pulled out in front of YOU.. "

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