Anytime that a person gets behind the wheel of an automobile after consuming alcohol they could be risking lives. Alcohol affects the mind and body in a number of different ways, none of which are beneficial when it comes to operating a motor vehicle. Most people know, for example, that alcohol typically slows a person’s reflexes and reaction time. This means that a driver who is under the influence of alcohol may not be able to stop or maneuver their vehicle to avoid hitting other vehicles.
Un reciente accidente de tráfico in Orange County may have involved at least one driver who was intoxicated at the time of the incident. The accident occurred early on a Saturday morning on the transition from the southbound 57 freeway to the westbound 22 freeway. According to a spokesman from the Orange County Fire Authority, a BMW crashed into a Jeep, which caused the Jeep to go over a guardrail and tumble to the on-ramp below. The Jeep landed on its roof and a man inside died from the accident.
In addition to the deceased victim, rescuers pulled another person out of the mangled Jeep. It took them as long as 30 minutes to get both people out of the vehicle. Rescuers took the second person to the hospital in critical condition. Police arrested a woman who they suspect was driving while under the influence.
Too many fatal car accidents on Southern California’s roadways are the result of people drinking and driving. Suffering the loss of a loved one in a car accident is a terrible event for any family to go through. The situation can be even more devastating when it happens due to the negligence of another driver.
People take irresponsible risks when they choose to drive after drinking alcohol in excess of the legal driving limit. When another person suffers injuries or death at the hands of a drunk driver, the victim or their family should take all possible legal action to hold that person responsible for their actions.
Fuente: NBC Los Angeles, “Man Killed, Another Critical After Suspected DUI Crash in Orange,” Michael Larkin, March 14, 2015