A car crash in Merced County Thursday morning is being blamed on an allegedly intoxicated Ceres man.

The California Highway Patrol said that Albert Azevedo, 47, of Ceres, allowed his 2008 Nissan Altima to drift over the center line where it collided head-on with an oncoming Hyundai Genesis driven by a 33-year-old from Delhi.

The 5:20 a.m. crash occurred north on Highway 165 just north of Turner Road.

Azevedo was northbound at the time of the crash, according to Eric Zuniga, public information officer for the Merced-area CHP.

Injuries to both drivers – they had no passengers – were minor to moderate with both going by ambulance to Doctors Medical Center in Modesto.

Investigators believe both cars were traveling at approximately 55 mph at the time and that Azevedo was not wearing a seatbelt.

The roadway was cleared at around 6:43 a.m.

Motorists are reminded that driving while impaired is a risk that can result in injury or death and untold expenses and legal issues.