SAN TAN VALLEY, Ariz. — Authorities say a woman's blood alcohol level was more than three times the legal limit during a crash that killed two people in San Tan Valley Saturday afternoon.
The Pinal County Sheriff's Office said deputies responded to the crash near Gantzel Rd. near Empire Rd. around 4:45 p.m.
PCSO said Janelle Littlebear, 38, was traveling northbound on Gantzel when she failed to negotiate a curve, crossed the median, and crashed into an oncoming vehicle headed southbound.
The driver and the passenger of the second vehicle, 78-year-old Richard Hanson and 78-year-old Kathleen Franta, were killed in the crash, according to PCSO.
Littlebear sustained non-life threatening injuries and was taken to the hospital. A test showed Littlebear's blood alcohol content was .271, which is more than three times Arizona's legal limit of .08.
On Tuesday, Littlebear was booked into the Pinal County Jail for two counts of second-degree murder.
"This tragic loss of life is senseless and entirely preventable," said Sheriff Mark Lamb. "Our hearts go out to the victims' families."
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Driving Safety Tips
The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) offers driving tips to help keep people safe on the road.
"There’s always room for improvement when it comes to road safety," the department said on its website.
ADOT's suggestions include:
Don’t speed or drive aggressively
Never drive while under the influence of substances
Avoid distractions while driving
Wear your seatbelt and make sure all passengers are doing the same
When an emergency vehicle is on the side of the road, move over
Stay extra aware in work zones
Be prepared for weather conditions that make driving dangerous
"Real-time highway conditions are available on ADOT’s Arizona Traveler Information site at az511.gov, by calling 511, downloading the AZ 511 app and through ADOT’s Twitter feed, @ArizonaDOT," the department said.