Too many people die in Nashville drunk driving accidents every year. While it is possible for a serious car crash to happen the first time that someone drives while intoxicated, it is much more common for a driver to habitually drive while intoxicated for a long time before a fatal crash occurs. Although a driver can make it home safe while drunk many times before crashing, the driver still creates an unnecessary risk of death and personal injury for innocent motorists and pedestrians.
One woman who is a multiple DUI offender has been charged with DUI and vehicular homicide in connection with a East Highland Avenue crash that happened in July. Two people were killed in that accident and a third person was injured.
Authorities say that the woman's blood alcohol level was 0.25 percent at the time of the crash, which is three times the legal limit of 0.08 percent. It is also believed that the woman was traveling approximately double the 30 mph speed limit in the area.
The crash devastated a family who lost a 4-year-old child and his grandfather. Family members appeared in court recently and were upset that the accused drunk driver waived her right to appear in front of the judge.
"I'm very sad she's been allowed to waive her right to appear," a family member of the crash victims said. "I think she should be forced to face the whole family in this situation."
The family member is also upset that the woman was still on the streets despite her lengthy arrest record for similar DUI offenses.
"Four arrests in four months," a family member said. "You know she shouldn't have been on the street."
Source: News channel 5, "Repeat Offender Charged with DUI and Vehicular Homicide," Mark Bellinger, Sept. 6, 2011