Driving under the influence is a serious issue that destroys lives. Recently, a drunk driver crashed into two cars after driving the wrong way.
Wrong-Way Driver Strikes Two Vehicles
Around 5:45pm on May 8th, 2023, a wrong-way driver in a Honda Civic struck an Acura RDX in Edgewater, NJ. Officer Tina Posos responded and spoke to the Acura occupants, who reported being hit by the Honda.
Officer Detects Driver’s Instability and Alcohol Odor
Approaching the Honda driver, 26-year old Valerie Duca, Officer Posos immediately noticed Valerie’s lack of balance and the smell of alcohol. Valerie admitted to drinking earlier at a friend’s house in Belleville and that she was headed home.
Driver Fails All Field Sobriety Tests
With signs of impairment, Officer Posos administered field sobriety tests. Valerie failed the horizontal gaze nystagmus test by lacking smooth eye pursuit. On the walk and turn, she failed to walk heel-to-toe and lacked balance. During the one-leg stand test, she raised her arms and leaned on her car, unable to complete it.
Breathalyzer Reveals Blood Alcohol Level 4X Legal Limit
Officer Posos arrested Valerie for DUI. At the police station, breathalyzer tests showed her BAC was 0.36% – four times the legal limit. After being released to her parents, Valerie awaits her first court date.
DUI a Persistent Problem Across the US
DUI continues to be a major issue nationwide. Another case in Florida involved a woman driving 120 mph in a 55 mph zone. She assaulted the officer during her arrest and had 2 prior DUIs. Drunk driving deaths are highly preventable, but alcohol consumption and DUIs are increasing.
Driving under the influence endangers everyone on the road. As we see in this case where a drunk driver caused a serious crash, strict enforcement and prevention is critical.