Drunk driving accidents are one of the most tragic occurrences in Nashville. Although most car accidents are the result of bad driving habits, drunk driving is especially egregious because it is well known that alcohol dramatically inhibits a driver's ability to safely operate a vehicle. Drunk drivers are not only a danger to themselves but threaten the entire community. Anyone can become the victim of a drunk driving car accident and many times an intoxicated driver walks away from a crash with only a scratch or two while an innocent motorist or passenger is killed.
Many people habitually drive drunk. These drivers are a constant threat to the community and often go undetected until they cause a serious accident. Drunk drivers come from all backgrounds and include some high profile individuals such as Rodney King. King recently pleaded not guilty to drunk driving charges stemming from his arrest this summer.
King first came to national prominence in 1991 when a video was released of Los Angeles police officers viciously beating him. The acquittal of the officers resulted in the violent 1992 Los Angeles riots which purportedly led to over $1 billion in property damage and left dozens of people dead. King has had several arrests after his famous police incident. He has a prior DUI conviction and also faced charges of domestic violence.
King also recently appeared on the hit-VH1 show "Celebrity Rehab" in which he attempted to address his battle with alcohol abuse. The next hearing in his case takes place on Nov. 21.
Source: Los Angeles Times, "Rodney King pleads not guilty in DUI case," Nov. 7, 2011