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Teen driver in collision with big rig
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A vehicle driven by a 13-year-old boy was broadsided by a big rig when he tried to cross in front of it, resulting in serious injuries for himself and another teen.

 

Javier Arcos, 13, and Lucero Orona Arcos, 15, both of Modesto, were transported by air ambulance to Modesto area hospitals with major injuries, according to the California Highway Patrol. Both teens remain hospitalized.

 

The 13-year-old boy’s mother, 48-year-old Antonia Orona Arcos of Modesto was also in the vehicle, but was uninjured, the CHP reported. The driver of the big rig, Jose Antonio Mejia, 45, of Modesto had minor injuries but opted to seek medical attention on his own.

 

The collision was reported at 4:20 p.m. Wednesday at the intersection of Keyes and Vivian roads in a rural part of the county between Keyes and Grayson.

 

The 13-year-old was driving a 1989 Ford Thunderbird southbound on Vivian and had stopped at a stop sign posted at the intersection for traffic on Vivian. Keyes Road has no posted stop sign at the intersection.

 

Mejia was driving the big rig with two trailer attached westbound on Keyes Road.

 

With the big rig approaching, the 13-year-old accelerated the Ford in an attempt to cross over the intersection, according to the CHP report.

 

Mejia hit his brakes, but was unable to avoid hitting the Ford.

 

The big rig collided with the left side of the Ford, causing the cabin to crumble in on itself. The impact sent the Ford rolling and it came to rest on the driver’s side in a field.

 

Alcohol was not considered to be a factor in the crash. Everyone involved were wearing seat belts at the time of impact, according to the CHP.

 It’s unknown at this time if the mother will face legal repercussions for allowing the unlicensed 13-year old behind the wheel. The CHP reported that the boy would likely be cited for driving without a license.To contact Sabra Stafford, e-mail sstafford@turlockjournal.com or call 634-9141 ext. 2002.