A suspected drunk driver was killed when a vehicle drifted off a Lancaster roadway and slammed into a utility pole, authorities said Friday.
The single-vehicle crash was reported shortly before 6:55 a.m. Thursday near 170th Street East, north of Avenue P, according to the California Highway Patrol.
Antelope Valley Area CHP investigators determined the 2004 Chevrolet left the roadway for unknown reasons before striking the pole. The driver, identified only as a 21-year-old, was not wearing a seat belt, and alcohol is believed to have been a contributing factor, CHP officials said.
Paramedics pronounced the driver dead at the scene.
The victim’s name was being withheld pending notification of relatives.
“The CHP reminds all motorists of the critical importance of always wearing a seatbelt and ensuring all passengers are properly restrained,” the agency said in a statement.
Anyone with information about the collision was urged to contact the CHP Antelope Valley Area office at 661-743-6060. Calls during non-business hours should be directed to the Los Angeles Traffic Management Center at 323-259-3200.