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Bayfield woman distracted by phone, caused three vehicle crash, authorities say

Destani Harris, 26, was cited with careless driving causing injury

A 26-year-old Bayfield woman who was apparently distracted by her phone while driving was cited with careless driving causing injury after crossing the centerline of U.S. Highway 160 on Saturday and causing a three-vehicle crash.

Colorado State Patrol Trooper Josh Lewis said a 2016 Jeep Compass driven by Destani Harris was headed west around 6:30 p.m. when she crossed into oncoming traffic east of Elmore’s Corner, near mile marker 92.

Lewis said investigators believe the reason why Harris crossed the centerline was because she was on her phone.

The Jeep struck an oncoming 2005 Ford Focus, and then a 2013 Toyota SUV.

Harris and her two children in the car were taken to Mercy Regional Medical Center with minor to moderate injuries.

A 33-year-old female driver and a 39-year-old female passenger in the Ford Focus were not injured, Lewis said. And a 43-year-old female driver and 45-year-old male passenger in the Toyota suffered minor injuries.

No one was seriously injured, Lewis said. Everyone involved in the crash was wearing seat belts, and the children were in car seats.

Harris was cited on suspicion of careless driving causing injury, as well as failure to present evidence of insurance on request, Lewis said. No drugs, alcohol or excessive speed is suspected in the crash.

Highway 160 was cleared around 8 p.m.

jromeo@durangoherald.com



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