Gibson V. Boyle

We begin by reviewing the facts giving rise to this matter. On the evening of October 13, 1974, John Woodruff, his wife Dianna, and their four-year-old son Brent were returning home from a visit with John Woodruff's cousin. John Woodruff was driving; his wife and child were passengers in the front seat of the Woodruff vehicle. As the Woodruff vehicle approached the intersection of Alma School Road and McClellan Road in Mesa, Arizona, John entered the left turn bay in anticipation of making a left turn onto McClellan. According to his testimony, John slowed down almost to a stop but proceeded to make his turn after deciding that the vehicles approaching in the northbound lanes of Alma School Road were a safe distance away. John began his turn and at some point in the turn, noticed that one of the northbound vehicles was almost upon his vehicle. John apparently attempted to accelerate through the turn but unfortunately was unable to avoid a tragic collision.