It has been said time and again, but the message needs to be repeated – do not drink and drive. The recent car wreck in Chesapeake, Virginia (VA) is a prime example of why it is such a bad idea. The 19-year-old driver of an Acura traveling on Jarvis Road was turning left on Shell Road when it slammed into another car. A 15-year-old passenger in the Acura suffered a serious injury to their arm, and the individuals in the other car also suffered injuries.
It turns out the 19-year-old driver was intoxicated. He was charged with driving under the influence and failing to yield to another vehicle, according to the Virginian-Pilot.
Just think, this teenager may wind up going to jail and could be liable for paying the medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages of the injured passenger in their car and the other individuals involved in the accident. The ramifications of this accident could stay with the at-fault driver for quite awhile. And all of this could have been averted if he had been more responsible and not gotten behind the wheel while intoxicated.
Let this incident be a reminder to all drivers of the simple guideline – do not drive after you have been drinking or are under the influence of an intoxicant. Approximately 316 people were killed in drunk driving accidents and over 6,000 people suffered serious injuries in these types of preventable wrecks. And being held liable for a drunk driving death or injury will probably still with you, both emotionally and on your permanent record, for years to come.