Teen Driver Arrested for DUI After Building Crash
Building crashes happen for a variety of reasons. In many cases, they happen due to a loss of control, but sometimes due to driver issues and behavior, such as intoxication.
This was recently the case in Palmetto. A 19-year-old Bradenton woman was arrested after crashing into two buildings. She was arrested and is now facing DUI charges.
The woman was involved in a solo-vehicle crash in the early morning hours of July 25. She was driving a Jeep Cherokee northbound on 8th Ave W when she suddenly went off the roadway and collided with two buildings.
Her SUV went through a wall and into a patio. It came out the other side with a support column on top of the vehicle.
The driver was not injured in the accident. She was the only person in the vehicle. She was arrested for DUI with property damage. She was also in possession of a forged driver’s license and was charged for that as well.
Teen Drinking and Driving
Teen drinking and driving is a serious public safety concern. Although teenagers represent a small percentage of licensed drivers, they are disproportionately involved in alcohol-related crashes. When teens mix alcohol with inexperience behind the wheel, the risk of a deadly crash significantly increases.
Teen drinking and driving is dangerous due to the following reasons:
- Impaired judgment. Even small amounts of alcohol can affect a teen’s decision-making and reaction time.
- Lack of experience. Teen drivers are already at higher risk due to limited driving experience; alcohol compounds that risk.
- Higher crash risk. According to the CDC, teens are more likely than older drivers to be involved in a crash when under the influence of alcohol.
Drinking and driving has legal consequences involved. Most states have zero tolerance laws, meaning drivers under 21 cannot legally drive with any measurable amount of alcohol in their system. Offenders may face fines, license suspension and even jail time. Alcohol and substance abuse classes and programs may also be required.
Preventing teen drinking and driving requires a coordinated effort from parents, schools, and communities. Below are proven strategies that help reduce the risk:
- Start conversations early and continue them regularly.
- Discuss real-life examples and news stories to make the risks relatable.
- Reinforce that drinking and driving is never acceptable and explain the long-term consequences.
- Create a “No Questions Asked” ride policy, where teens can call home for a ride if they or a friend have been drinking.
- Keep emergency cash or a rideshare app account available for your teen.
- Use a parent-teen driving agreement outlining safe driving expectations, curfews, and consequences for rule-breaking.
- Make sure your teen understands the legal and personal consequences of drinking and driving.
- Communicate with other parents to ensure supervised and alcohol-free environments.
- Always practice responsible driving behavior yourself.
Contact Us Today
People should not use alcohol before driving. Teens are especially vulnerable to the effects of intoxication and can cause a lot of damage while driving drunk.
No matter what caused your crash, a Bradenton car accident lawyer from Cahall Law Firm can help you get the compensation you deserve. We know how stressful even a minor accident can be, but you don’t have to go through this alone. Schedule a consultation today by filling out the online form or calling (941) 281-2019.
Source:
fox13news.com/news/suv-crashes-building-palmetto
