Melvin Pearles was sentenced to four years in prison Tuesday, and he told 10News he was the victim of road rage.

"A young woman died as a result of my car hitting hers. That's just a horrible thing," Pearles said.

The incident happened on March 29, 2009, when Pearles' speeding Jaguar slammed into oncoming traffic on State Route 67 in Ramona. Alexandria Drake, 25, was killed in the crash. Her infant son, who was sitting in his car seat in the back seat, survived. Drake's mother, Pamela McKiernan, was in the car ahead of her and also survived the crash.

"I remember running to her car, thinking, 'Not my Alex,' screaming for her … and when I reached her she was unconscious," said McKiernan.

"I was painted as this cold-hearted, un-feeling person," said Pearles. "I hope that they can find in their hearts forgiveness, not only for myself but the other person that was driving the car and for the fact that the police didn't go after that person."

Pearles said the driver of a tailgating BMW was the one who caused the crash, not him. He did admit that he was speeding.

Pearles also blamed Caltrans for not installing barriers along SR-67. He called the road a "death trap."

"Are you saying that if there was a barrier this accident might not have happened?" asked 10News' Allison Ash.

"I do not think anyone would have died if there was a barrier there," said Pearles.

Pearles expressed regret about the incident and was glad Drake's son survived.

"I'm so glad that he survived and they have that gift. I don't know why Alexandria died and I didn't. But I have to live with it, too," said Pearles.

When Pearles is released from prison in 4 years, he said he plans to start a trust fund for Drake's son.