Posted in Car Accident,Drunk Driving,Negligence,Personal Injury,Tennessee Accident Law on November 16, 2015
Two-Car Accident in Clarksville Kills 1 on Saturday
An accident involving two vehicles in Clarksville, Tennessee, led to the death of a 28-year-old woman on Saturday.
According to a report by wkrn.com, the accident occurred around 3 a.m. when a 2014 GMC Sierra pickup truck driven by a 26-year-old Fort Campbell soldier crashed into the back of a 2012 Chrysler Sebring driven by a 28-year-old man on 101st Airborne Division Parkway in Montgomery County.
The impact of the collision caused victim, who was a passenger in the Sebring, to suffer fatal injuries, and she was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident by emergency medical personnel. The driver of the Sebring also suffered serious injuries and was transported to Skyline Medical Center, while the driver of the truck suffered minor injuries and was transported to Gateway Hospital to receive treatment.
After an investigation, police determined that alcohol played a role in causing the collision and charged the Fort Campbell soldier with vehicular homicide, vehicular assault, and failure to wear a seat belt. He was booked into the Montgomery County Jail with bond set at $600,000.
What Are the Biggest Dangers of Drinking and Driving?
Everyone knows that drinking and driving don’t mix. But the specific reasons that make alcohol intoxication and getting behind the wheel of a vehicle so dangerous are often unclear or misunderstood. In many alcohol-related accidents, it’s a mixture of multiple effects of intoxication and impairment that lead to serious life-threatening and even fatal accidents.
Some of the most common effects alcohol has on the body that can increase the risk of auto accidents include:
Safe driving requires a cautious and defensive mindset that involves being aware of the presence of other vehicles, yielding when in doubt, reducing speed near potentially dangerous situations, and following all of the rules of the road. Alcohol intoxication can make drivers more likely to speed, experience road rage, tailgate, follow too closely, or weave in and out of traffic—all of which can significantly increase their risks of being involved in accidents.
Driving while sleep-deprived, fatigued, or exhausted is dangerous enough, but when it’s paired with alcohol intoxication, the risk of falling asleep behind the wheel becomes very real for many people who choose to drink and drive. Falling asleep even momentarily is all it takes to lose control of your vehicle and cause a serious accident by either colliding with another vehicle or careening off the roadway.
In addition to being alert and cautious, safe driving also requires that drivers be in good physical condition, able to react at a moment’s notice, and their senses fully in tune with their surroundings. Alcohol intoxication can cause the eyes to water and become blurry, making it difficult to see the roadway and vehicles ahead, and it can also increase the length of time it takes for drivers to make decisions, including slowing down or braking in the event of an emergency.
These are just a few of the biggest risks drivers face when they choose to get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol. Alcohol-related accidents caused thousands of serious injuries and fatalities every year throughout the United States and in Middle Tennessee, and that’s why it’s vital for all drivers to utilize cabs, ride-sharing services, and designated drivers if they plan on drinking alcohol at restaurants, bars, or parties this holiday season.
If you or someone you love was injured in an auto accident caused by a negligent or intoxicated driver, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your accident-related expenses, including your medical bills, lost wages, vehicle repair costs, and more. At Matt Hardin Law, our Clarksville auto accident attorneys have 20 years of experience helping families like yours during difficult times. To find out how we can help, just dial (615) 200-1111 or complete a free online consultation form.
