It probably goes without saying that driving while intoxicated presents a serious danger to other people on the road. And when drivers take risks that directly affect other people, they affect their own future, as well. Aside from all of the personal ramifications of hurting or killing someone else, people who cause death or great bodily injury while driving drunk face much higher criminal penalties than those who are simply pulled over for driving erratically. They also may be ruled ineligible for diversion programs that allow them to keep a drunk-driving conviction off their criminal records.
Despite the potential consequences, drivers who cause an accident while under the influence of intoxicants should keep in mind that no matter how worried they are about potential punishment, the first priority after a crash should be the welfare of any victims.
A Lake Oswego, Oregon, man accused of killing a highway worker with his car earlier this month is facing DUII and other charges, but he made at least one right move immediately after the incident.
The incident happened one night in Canby as the worker was putting up signs to warn drivers about construction on the road. Immediately after his car struck the worker, the driver stopped and called 911 to report the accident. Emergency crews arrived and tried to revive the victim, but he died a short time later. The driver was charged with DUII but has not faced the charge in court and the accident is still under investigation.
The driver could face prison time, suspension of his driver's license and many other negative consequences as a result of the crash. But one thing he won't face is an extra charge of hit-and-run, which carries its own serious penalties. Although the loved ones of the victim may be resentful toward him, he took the responsible action of staying at the scene and reporting the accident immediately. As a result, a judge may look on him more favorably when it comes to prosecution and sentencing, if he's convicted.
Source: KPTV.com, "Highway worker struck, killed by suspected DUII driver," July 11, 2012
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