As reported by the Oregonian, a 22-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of impaired driving earlier this month, after crashing into a MAX train late one Tuesday night. The woman, Taylor Fast, is facing DUI, criminal mischief, and reckless driving charges. Witnesses to the crash told officers that Fast had driven through a red light while making a turn onto Stark when she struck the train. Although her car sustained significant damage no one was injured in the crash.
Fast’s story is one that all personal injury and automobile accident attorneys have heard before, and sadly, is one that’s completely avoidable. Although we don’t know all of the details surrounding the accident, we know that police believe she was drinking prior to the crash (from the arrest on suspicion of DUI), and from bystanders, it appears as though she was driving in an incredibly erratic manner prior to hitting the train; so, fairly safe to assume some reckless driving and potentially a DUI here. A common story, yes, but one that is 100% avoidable. If you have been drinking, there is no reason to get behind the wheel of a car. Driving and driving endangers not only yourself, everyone else with whom you share the road.
Although this crash may not have resulted in injury or death, so many of them do, and it’s because of this that we must all take note, and see Fast’s crash as an example of what not to do after you’ve been drinking. In the age of ride-sharing services, cell phones, and social networks, there is no reason for you to get behind the wheel after drinking. Call a friend, send out a message, or call an Uber, Lyft or taxi.
Be smart out there. Remember, the life you save may be your own.
[Source – Tony Hernandez, OregonLive, The Oregonian. March 08, 2016]
