3-Car Wreck In South Austin Leaves 1 Dead

SOUTHWEST AUSTIN, TEXAS — Police responded to a fatal , three-vehicle traffic collision early Thursday off U.S. 290 in the first of two wrecks within hours of each other that resulted in fatalities.

The incident occurred just before 7 a.m. at FM 1826 Road at West U.S. 290, Austin Police Department Officer Destiny Silva told reporters in a subsequent press briefing.

According to a preliminary police investigation, the driver of an SUV was exiting a private driveway, disregarding a posted sign by turning left on a right-turn-only lane before crossing lanes of traffic on a busy highway.

As a result of the driver's actions, Silva said, the SUV drove in the path of an oncoming silver car. The driver of that car swerved to avoid colliding with the SUV but made impact with the vehicle before being struck again by a truck, the officer said.

The driver of the SUV stayed on the scene awaiting arrival of the police, and was issued a citation for disregarding a posted sign — a Class C misdemeanor. The driver of the silver car was pronounced dead at the scene, Silva said. Intoxication does not appear to have played a role in the incident, Silva noted.

The fatal traffic wreck was the first to occur on Austin roadways on Thursday morning. Police responded to another wreck just after 10 a.m. in East Austin that also resulted in a driver death.

Related story: Fatal East Austin Traffic Wreck Prompts Road Closure

Ironically, both traffic fatalities occurred during what has been designated as Distracted Drivers Awareness Month. Silva took the opportunity during her press briefing to urge drivers to be alert while on the roadway to avoid being involved in traffic collisions.

"We want to remind the community to pay attention to the roadway," Silva said. "These horrible outcomes can occur if you run a red light, if you disregard a posted sign, if you don't pay attention to the road, if you're not paying attention when pedestrians are walking by.

"Avoid any distractions — whether it be your phone, looking down, dropping something. As more people move into Austin, we have more cars on the roadway. Please pay attention because one simple mistake can cost someone their life."