A NASCAR driver was recently arrested following a DWI accident in North Carolina (NC). In addition to DWI, he was also charged with several misdemeanors, including resisting arrest, failure to reduce speed, and unlawful use of a mobile phone.
According to Mooresville Police, the driver had a blood alcohol level of 0.32 per cent-far above the .08 legal limit in NC-when he rear-ended another car at a red light at 1:32 a.m. on Sunday, February 6th, 2011. The driver failed a field sobriety test, and was reported to have caused at least $3,000 in damage to the car that was hit. There were no injuries by either party.
The driver’s team said that he will have to complete an alcohol awareness program as well as a year-long community service program. He also faces additional internal sanctions.
While we are glad that no one was injured in this crash, there are many important lessons to be learned here. In addition to the dangers of DWI, we can see clearly the implications of not maintaining a safe driving speed. And using a hand-held cellular device while behind the wheel not only demonstrates poor judgment-it is also illegal in NC. You would think that someone who drives professionally for a living would already be aware of how these actions affect others. Apparently, it is a lesson he has yet to learn.
If you were injured in a crash that involved someone else driving while intoxicated or breaking other laws on the road, contact an experienced personal injury attorney.
IW