Three People Killed in Kings County DUI Accident
In a tragic DUI accident near Hanford last week, a thirteen-year-old boy along with his father and mother were killed. The teenager and his father died at the scene while mother passed away after arriving at the hospital. According to a sibling, “with a snap of a finger,” the family of six is now a family of three.
According to reports, the family was returning from the son’s basketball practice in Fresno when the car they were riding in was struck. A 1992 Chevy pickup ran a stop sign at the intersection of Idaho Avenue and Highway 43. The crash was still under investigation, but the California Highway Patrol said that the 42-year old driver of the truck was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. He could face multiple felony charges once he is released from the hospital.
Hanford CHP Officer John Tyler said, “We know that these collisions are preventable and we know that if people simply didn’t drink and drive, that we would prevent a lot of collisions, and specifically these kind(s) of collisions.” It is always tragic when a family loses loved ones in an automobile accident. However, when that accident was completely preventable, the pain and grief can be overwhelming.
California Had the Second Highest Number of DUI Accident Fatalities in 2015
According to information provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 9,967 people died in DUI accidents where at least one driver’s BAC was .08 or higher. In 2015, the number of DUI deaths increased to 10,265 nationwide. In 2015, California total alcohol-impaired driving fatalities increased to 914 from 876 in 2014. This total put California in the second highest position for alcohol-impaired driving fatalities for 2015, just behind Texas.
What Can We Do About Drunk Driving Accidents?
Drunk driving accidents are completely preventable, but it is up to all of us to make sure we never drink and drive. If you know you will be drinking, have a designated driver for your group or plan to take public transportation instead of driving. If you see a friend who has had a few too many, don’t be afraid to ask for his or her keys. You could be preventing a tragic accident that claims the life of your friend or someone’s loved one.
Teen drivers are also susceptible to drunk driving accidents. Parents should have honest and frank conversations with their teens regarding the dangers of drinking and driving. Parents can find information and resources from SADD, the Ad Council, and MADD. One of the main things to teach your child is that your child can always call you, no matter what the situation without fear or reservation. There may be consequences, but you will always be there when he or she needs you.
Call a Fresno DUI Accident Attorney for A Free Consultation
If a drunk driver has injured you or a family member, our Fresno DUI accident attorneys can help. We offer free case evaluations and free consultation for victims and their families.
Call Torem & Associates at (888) 500-5000or use the contact form on our website to ask questions or request your free appointment.
Source:
“Victims identified in crash near Hanford leaving 3 dead, including 13-year-old” by Brian Johnson, ABC30 Action News, March 28, 2017
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