Spencer Havner, who plays linebacker and tight end positions for the Green Bay Packers, has been charged with drunk driving in California after crashing his motorcycle. Havner reportedly lost control of his 2007 Kawasaki around 2:45 Monday morning, at the end of a cul-de-sac. He suffered a broken shoulder blade, lacerations to the back of his head and left arm, and multiple abrasions. Havner was not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident.

Havner was taken to a hospital before police responded to the scene. When it was determined that he was under the influence, California Highway Patrol placed him under arrest for CA DUI.

The incident took place in Grass Valley, Havner’s hometown about 55 miles north of Sacramento. Havner, 27, secured a spot on the Packers roster in 2008 and he caught a game tying pass in the NFC wildcard playoff game last January. A free agent this year, the Packers had extended Havner a one year offer two weeks ago.

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The California Office of Traffic Safety anticipates a significant drop in traffic fatalities for 2009. That mirrors a national trend reflected in a report released by the US Department of Transportation last week. While the final figures for 2009 will not be available until in the year, there is a projected 8.9% drop in highway fatalities across the nation.

California saw a 14% drop in traffic deaths between 2007 and 2008, and expects a further reduction in the 2009 figures.

The drop in fatalities is attributable to a number of factors, including enhanced California DUI patrols, a California drunk driving reporting system and increased sobriety checkpoints. Approximately one third of state fatalities reportedly involve alcohol. The reduction in fatalities is also reflective of increased safety in newer vehicles and the fact that motorists are driving less in the troubled economy.

California authorities are currently evaluating how state bans on cell phone use without a hands-free device and texting while driving will affect the number of highway deaths.

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