Chicago Sun-Times

EXCESSIVE SPEED LED TO WOODS’ SUV CRASH

Despite driving nearly twice the posted limit, Tiger won’t face any charges

- BY STEFANIE DAZIO

LOS ANGELES — Tiger Woods was driving more than 80 mph — nearly twice the posted speed limit — on a downhill stretch of road when he lost control of an SUV and crashed in a wreck that seriously injured the golf superstar, authoritie­s said Wednesday.

Sheriff Alex Villanueva blamed the Feb. 23 crash outside Los Angeles solely on excessive speed and Woods’ loss of control behind the wheel. The athlete will not face any citations for his third high-profile collision in 11 years.

“The primary causal factor for this traffic collision was driving at a speed unsafe for the road conditions and the inability to negotiate the curve of the roadway,” the sheriff told a news conference.

Woods was driving 84 to 87 mph in an area with a speed limit of 45 mph, Villanueva said. No one else was hurt, and no other vehicles were involved.

The stretch of road is known for wrecks and drivers who frequently hit high speeds. Due to the steepness of the terrain, a runaway truck escape lane is available just beyond where Woods crashed.

There was no evidence that the golfer tried to brake, and investigat­ors believe Woods may have inadverten­tly stepped on the accelerato­r instead of the brake pedal in a panic, said sheriff’s Capt. James Powers, who oversees the sheriff ’s station closest to the crash site.

Woods was wearing a seat belt at the time, and the vehicle’s air bags deployed. He told deputies that he had not taken medication or consumed alcohol before the crash, sheriff ’s officials said.

Detectives did not seek search warrants for Woods’ blood samples, which could have been screened for drugs or alcohol, or his cellphone. Authoritie­s said there was no evidence of impairment or of distracted driving, so they did not have probable cause to get warrants. Investigat­ors did search the SUV’s data recorder, known as a black box, which revealed the vehicle’s speed.

On Twitter, Woods thanked first responders, as well as the people who called 911.

“I will continue to focus on my recovery and family, and thank everyone for the overwhelmi­ng support and encouragem­ent I’ve received throughout this very difficult time,” Woods wrote.

Documents show that Woods told deputies he did not know how the crash occurred and did not remember driving.

 ?? AP ?? SPORTS
A crane is used to lift Tiger Woods’ SUV following his rollover accident Feb. 23 outside of Los Angeles. Woods, who was driving over 80 mph in a 45 mph zone, had no signs of impairment, according to authoritie­s.
AP SPORTS A crane is used to lift Tiger Woods’ SUV following his rollover accident Feb. 23 outside of Los Angeles. Woods, who was driving over 80 mph in a 45 mph zone, had no signs of impairment, according to authoritie­s.
 ?? RYAN KANG/AP ?? Tiger Woods
RYAN KANG/AP Tiger Woods

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