Truck Driver Who Fell Asleep, Killed Another Driver Sentenced To Probation

A bakery truck driver who killed a Sonoma man when he fell asleep and crashed head-on into his pickup was sentenced to five years’ probation in Sonoma County Superior Court this week.

Daniel James Armstrong Rauer, 28, of Rohnert Park, pleaded no contest in August to misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter.

Rauer fell asleep while driving a 2001 International box truck north on state Route 121 a mile north of state Highway 37 near Sonoma Raceway at approximately 7 a.m. on July 11, 2013, California Highway Patrol Officer Anna Paulson said.

His pickup crossed into the southbound lane and struck a 2003 Ford F-250 pickup driven by 66-year-old Benny Clyde White of Sonoma, Paulson said.

White was taken to Queen of the Valley Medical Center where he died of his injuries.

Rauer was treated at the hospital for moderate injuries. Rauer told the CHP he fell asleep before the collision because he was adjusting to a work schedule at his new job that required him to drive during the night and early morning hours, Sonoma County District Attorney Jill Ravitch said.

Judge Lawrence Ornell sentenced Rauer to five years’ probation and 500 hours of community service work.

The judge said he wanted Rauer to raise public awareness of the dangers of fatigued driving, Ravitch said.

--Bay City News