Days after a man crashed his car against a big rig in Fresno, California, he succumbed to his injuries. The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office announced on Monday, March 9th, that Douglas Ward, 71, passed away in the hospital where he has been receiving treatment.

Ward landed at the Community Regional Hospital after sustaining severe injuries from the Thursday, March 5th, crash. According to the California Highway Patrol, the deceased was driving a Ford Fusion, when he failed to yield to a stop sign at the intersection of Fowler Avenue and American Avenue.

He was barely through the intersection when a big rig trailer heading west on American Avenue struck the Ford. Ward was traveling with his wife, Karen, 68, and she died on impact.

The driver of the truck, identified as Cantu Jr., 45, of Del Rey, had zero injuries. The man stayed behind to help the CHP with the preliminary investigation and left the accident scene when they concluded.

Traffic accidents are one of the leading causes of death in California. Traffic authorities have often listed drivers’ disobedience to stop signs at intersections and disregard for red lights as one of the common causes of vehicle-on-vehicle collisions.

When driving at intersections, motorists should anticipate trouble and operate at a speed that helps them avoid it when it happens. Drivers should slow down and cover their brakes, and be prepared to stop even if they have the right of way.

Motorists should always keep their eyes moving and continuously scan the roads at the intersection. Always yield the right of way to other road users and drive at a minimum speed before entering an intersection.

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