Driver veered into oncoming lane before vehicle struck Ford Bronco in San Ramon
November 29, 2025 | San Ramon, CA
A 41-year-old woman from Castro Valley lost her life in a two-vehicle crash in San Ramon on Nov. 29. Authorities identified the victim as Alix Mari Sparks, who was driving a Ford Bronco when it collided with a Tesla Model 3 around 3:23 p.m. on Crow Canyon Road.
Alix Mari Sparks, 41, of Castro Valley died when a Tesla Model 3 driven by an alleged drunk driver hit her Ford Bronco in San Ramon.
The Tesla driver, suspected of impairment, faces charges of vehicular manslaughter and driving under the influence. Officials booked the suspect into the Martinez Detention Facility with bail set at $300,000.
What Happened in the Crash?
Investigators are examining the details of the incident. Preliminary reports indicate the Tesla caused the collision.
- Date and Time: Nov. 29, 2025, approximately 3:23 p.m.
- Location: Crow Canyon Road, San Ramon, California
- Vehicles Involved: Ford Bronco, driven by Sparks and Tesla Model 3
- Outcome: Sparks pronounced dead at the scene, and Tesla driver arrested
- Charges: Vehicular manslaughter and DUI
Why Do These Accidents Happen?
Impaired driving remains a leading cause of fatal crashes. Factors such as alcohol or drugs can severely affect reaction times and decision-making.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), drunk driving contributed to thousands of deaths annually. From 2012 to 2021, an average of 10,850 people died each year in alcohol-impaired driving crashes.
Year Range |
Average Annual Fatalities from Drunk Driving |
Source |
|---|
2012-2021 |
10,850 |
NHTSA |
2022 |
13,524 (estimated) |
NHTSA |
This table highlights the persistent danger, sourced from NHTSA reports.
Legal Insights
National legal analysts provide perspective on incidents involving impaired drivers.
“In cases such as this, drunken and drugged drivers face criminal charges after an accident that harms or kills another person,” said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal. “Beyond criminal penalties, victims' families may seek compensation via civil lawsuits against the at-fault party.”
- Independent investigations often reveal blood-alcohol levels and other factors.
- Attorneys can assist families in navigating legal rights and holding drivers accountable.
- Civil claims may cover medical costs, funeral expenses, and emotional losses.
“A wrongful death occurs when negligence leads to a fatality,” noted Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal. “In vehicle accidents from impaired, distracted, or speeding driving, families can pursue actions against the responsible driver.”
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If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one due to a drunk driver, national legal analyst Candice Bond offers free consultations to guide you.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).