Ex-Ram Is Accused in Crash : Traffic accident: Laguna Hills woman is killed and Doug France is seriously injured. Drunk driving is suspected.
Doug France, a former Ram offensive lineman and two-time Pro Bowl player, remained in serious condition but was awake and responsive Sunday after a two-car accident in Laguna Hills in which a 53-year-old woman was killed.
France, all-pro in 1978 and 1980, was cited for investigation of felony drunk driving after the accident Saturday afternoon on a narrow, winding road near his home, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The CHP gave this account:
France, 37, was driving a late-model BMW as it sped down Aliso Hills Drive at an estimated 70 m.p.h. to 85 m.p.h. when he apparently lost control. His car veered into one driven by Maria C. Contreras, 53, of Laguna Hills, who was killed when she was thrown from her car by the impact.
France was taken to Mission Hospital Regional Medical Center in Mission Viejo, where he was treated for head injuries and a broken pelvis. He had been admitted in critical condition but was upgraded later Saturday.
France, who played for the Rams from 1975 to 1981, has a wife and two sons.
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