Driver Fatigue Blamed for Arizona Tragedy: 2 Bicyclists Dead, 14 Injured, NTSB Reports

GOODYEAR, Ariz. — The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has concluded that fatigue was a significant factor in a tragic crash that resulted in the deaths of two bicyclists and injuries to 14 others last year. The incident occurred on the Cotton Lane Bridge, located 19 miles west of Phoenix, during February 2023.

According to the NTSB’s final report released on Tuesday, the driver, Pedro Quintana-Lujan, 27, exhibited a diminished state of alertness due to fatigue. This impairment contributed not only to the crash, but also to the severity of the injuries sustained by the bicyclists as a result of Quintana-Lujan’s excessive speed and failure to react during the incident.

Initially arrested on multiple serious charges—including manslaughter and aggravated assault—Quintana-Lujan was found with a small quantity of THC, the active component of cannabis, in his system. Although he had reportedly smoked marijuana the night prior to the crash, the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office chose not to pursue felony charges, citing insufficient evidence to prove impairment specifically linked to THC.

Witness statements reveal that Quintana-Lujan claimed his steering locked as he drove in the left lane of the bridge, leading him to drift right into the bike lane where the crash ensued. Investigators later examined his vehicle and found no mechanical faults prior to the incident.

As the case progressed, the charges were reclassified, with the Goodyear Prosecutor’s Office filing 11 misdemeanor charges against him. If convicted, Quintana-Lujan could face jail time for his actions.

Quintana-Lujan is scheduled for a pre-trial conference on October 16, as legal discussions continue regarding his representation. A call to his attorney, David Cantor, for additional comments was not returned on Tuesday.