Texting driver runs into train

A driver who reportedly was texting on his cell phone hit a train in Queen Creek Wednesday afternoon.



According to Tim Gaffney with the Pinal County Sheriff's Office, Jason Michael Hair, 30, was driving a 2005 Pontiac sedan westbound on Arizona Farms Road and his 4-year-old son was with him.


Gaffney said a driver Hair passed reported that he was traveling at approximately 65 mph and was texting on his cell phone prior to the crash.

Gaffney said the lights were flashing and the crossing arms were down, but Hair did not notice the Union Pacific train until it was too late.

Hair attempted to stop but drove through the railway arms and into the side of the train. The car rolled over onto its roof, trapping Hair and his son inside.


Medical personnel were able to extricate the father and son and both were airlifted to the Maricopa Medical Center. Hair reportedly had a head injury and his son was transported for precautionary reasons.


There is no word on their conditions at this time.


Gaffney said Hair was using a seat belt and his son was properly secured in a child safety seat at the time of the crash.


According to a recent study by the American Automobile Association, the risk of a car accident increases by 50 percent for people who text message while driving.

Buckeye, Arizona councilman, Dave Rioux's uses worlds lamest sexting excuse!

Buckeye Town Councilman Dave Rioux submitted re-election papers Tuesday as allegations surfaced that he made sexual advances toward a town employee and sent her sexually charged text messages.

Public records obtained by The Republic show a female employee reported that Rioux had sent her text messages about joining him in his hot tub and engaging in sexual activity. Once over lunch, Rioux told the woman that "there were to be more layoffs" but "her job was safe," according to a complaint she filed with town officials. "She stated more than once she just wanted the calls, text-messaging and visits to stop," according to a report from the human-resources director. "She didn't want him to contact her."

At one point, in the complaint, the employee was concerned she "may have to have sex with the councilmember in order to retain my job."

Records show that when Rioux met with Mayor Jackie Meck and Interim Town Manager Stephen Cleveland about the October incidents, Rioux said he was trying to help the employee.

Rioux is seeking another term representing the town's District 6. On Tuesday, Rioux's wife, Candi, submitted a 137-signature packet for her husband and released a statement on his behalf.

"As a result Councilman Rioux will not be issuing a public statement at this time other than to say that there are always two sides of the story and questions the political motives and timing of some," the statement reads.

Buckeye Town Councilman Dave Rioux had said that due to Ambien he was unaware of what he was texting.