WALNUT GROVE (CBS13) – A Walnut Grove woman drove into the Sacramento River on Wednesday morning but was able to swim to shore.

Maria Lopez, 52, was driving her 2009 Nissan Versa on Grand Island Road just north of Highway 220 at about 5:35 a.m. when she failed to negotiate the curve in the road, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The vehicle traveled down the embankment and into the river. Lopez was able to free herself from the car and started swimming as the Versa began to sink.

Possibly disoriented because of the darkness, Lopez started swimming farther into the river until a local resident and witness helped guide her to the shore, the CHP said.

She was examined by emergency medical personnel at the scene and declined to be hospitalized. She suffered minor injuries, the CHP said.