Despite the plethora of warnings regarding the dangers of driving while intoxicated, there seem to be countless accidents that occur as a result of drunk driving each year in Las Vegas. It is no surprise that the rate of drunk driving may even be higher here than in other parts of the country do to the high level of tourism and the reputation that Las Vegas has of being a party city. However, this is still no reason for people to drink irresponsibly and not make sure that they have a designated driver or taxi to take them home at the end of the night.
Had a driver done this, a deadly accident that occurred in Las Vegas on August 1 could have most likely been avoided. Authorities believe a 29-year-old was operating his vehicle under the influence when he ran a red light and crashed into a motorcyclist. The 19-year-old motorcyclist, a Metropolitan Police Department Explorer and aspiring police officer, was killed. The automobile driver did not stop after the collision, but authorities were able to find him after a witness gave them information about his car.
The driver recently appeared in court for a preliminary hearing. Because he left the scene of the crash, he is facing felony charges. His blood test was still being processed at the time of the hearing, so prosecutors asked for more time. The judge granted them two more weeks.
Although the driver is being tried in a criminal court, the family of the motorcyclists killed in this accident may wish to also go after him with civil litigation. This may enable them to receive compensation for their loved one’s death.
Source: KTNV, “Man said to be responsible for Explorer death appears in court,” Denise Wong, Aug. 21, 2013
