Tennessee drunk driver ignores DUI campaign

Despite national campaigns for the prevention and elimination of drunk driving, many people in Tennessee are still driving under the influence of alcohol. The stiff legal consequences a drunk driver may face are seemingly not a big enough deterrent to these people who put their lives and the lives of others at risk. A recent and unfortunate accident occurred in Knoxville, emphasizing how some motorists continue to ignore the dangers of drunk driving.

The Knoxville Police Department attended to a two-car accident recently in northwest Knoxville, in which both drivers were taken to the hospital. The police have charged one of the drivers, a 34-year-old man, in relation to the accident. The charges include driving under the influence, vehicular assault and driving with a revoked license.

The accident is reported to have happened when the intoxicated man, driving a white van, attempted to cross the lanes of oncoming traffic to access an exit ramp. He collided with a pickup truck driven by a 48-year-old male. The driver of the van is said to be in serious condition, while the condition of the pickup driver is said to be fair.

All too often, it takes a serious accident like this for the lessons of drunk driving to be learned. Fortunately, in this instance, there were no fatalities. The 48-year-old victim, however, may choose to take action against the drunk driver in order to recuperate any bills due to medical treatment, car repairs or lost income from time away from work. The national statistics regarding DUI-related fatalities are shocking — more than 10,000 in 2012. Campaigns continue nationwide, and in Tennessee, to inform everyone of their responsibility in putting a stop to these completely avoidable accidents.

Source: wbir.com, Driver charged with vehicular assault after Callahan Drive crash, No author, March 2, 2014