BRISTOL - Police have ruled outspeed, alcohol, and vehicle deficiencies as potential causes of a head-on collision along Route 104 late Wednesday afternoon that claimed the life of a 55-year-old Danbury woman.

Police Chief Micheal Lewis said it appears glare from heavy late-afternoon sun was the only hazardous driving factor that caused driver Michael Lemieux, 18, of Bristol, to leave the westbound lane suddenly just before 4 p.m. Wednesday.

Lemieux's Chevrolet Suburban luxury SUV struck a small sedan driven by Susan Fullerton, who died instantly in the crash, Lewis said.

Fullerton, who had just finished work and was on her way to visit friends, was driving eastbound when her car collided with Lemieux's. The accident occurred on a curve near the Homestead Restaurant, in a section of road known for blinding sun late in the day, Lewis said.

Lewis said though Fullerton was an innocent victim, there will likely be no charges pressed against Lemieux.

"At this point I don't think so"Lewis said. "There were no problems with his (alcohol) tests and speed wasn't a factor. The sun was the factor."

Lewis said Lemieux, who refused medical treatment and was apparently uninjured, was clearly distraught at the news that Fullerton had died.

"He was pretty upset," Lewis said.

A large section of Route 104 was closed to all traffic beginning just before 4 p.m. The road was reopened at about 7 p.m.

dseufert@newstote.com