BOISE -- Idaho State Police released new information regarding the teen who crashed into the back of a semi-truck on Interstate 84 last month. They cited three contributing factors that led to the deadly Jan. 14th crash of 18-year-old Taylor Sauer.
Police now say that Sauer was westbound on I-84 in her Saturn Vue and traveling at 88 miles per hour prior to impact with the slow moving truck, which was also westbound in the right lane of I-84. The posted speed limit is 75 miles per hour. Speed has been determined as a contributing factor of the crash.
A preliminary report released by the Idaho Transportation Department said the teen was not using her phone when she crashed on I-84 east of Mountain Home.
Idaho State Police Lieutenant Sheldon Kelley tells KTVB they do have evidence there was extensive cell phone usage during Sauer's drive. Kelley said the investigation is not complete, but when it is, they will more than likely determine that her cell phone usage was a contributing factor in the crash. That determination will change the ITD report.
Sauer was both sending and receiving text messages during her trip between Logan, Utah and the site of the crash. Additionally, there were multiple communications on Facebook to and from Sauer. Investigators say inattention and distractions in the vehicle are also contributing factors.
At this point, ISP is working to determine the exact time of the crash and the last activity on her cell phone. They hope to have the investigation finished in the next week or so.
Police say Sauer rear-ended a semi-truck, which was going about 15 miles per hour uphill. She was then hit by a semi-truck driving behind her.
Sauer's Facebook page gives clues as to what may have happened before the crash. After a few Facebook posts between friends about a Denver football game, she wrote "I can't discuss this matter now. Driving and facebooking is not safe! Haha."
Sauer was awarded the Distinguished Student Award on KTVB in 2011. She held a 3.9 GPA at Marsing High School and said she wanted to be a teacher.
