News reports about the adverse effects of substance use or abuse behind the wheel of a vehicle are prolific. It seems that such reports hit the headlines every day. Sometimes victims escape injury while other times the results are far more tragic.
On Jan. 6, just days into the New Year, an allegedly intoxicated man caused a motor vehicle accident that sent one 82-year-old woman to the hospital. At the time of the news report, no further information was made available about the victim or the nature of her injuries, but the Allentown police had plenty to say about the man who caused the accident.
When police officers responded to the scene, a patrolman approached the male driver of a 2003 Ford F250. The officer reported that the motorist exhibited signs of intoxication including slurred speech, constricted pupils and difficulty staying awake.
After conducting field sobriety tests, police officers arrested the man for assault by auto and driving while intoxicated. Later, officers reportedly discovered substances in the man’s possession that appeared to be cocaine and heroin. The driver also appeared to be in possession of drug paraphernalia.
According to police officers, the man was taken to a hospital before being jailed on multiple charges including:
- Assault by auto
- Driving while impaired or intoxicated
- Possession of heroin
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
- Possession of cocaine
- Possession of controlled dangerous substances in a motor vehicle
- Unsafe operation of a motor vehicle
- Refusal to take a breath test
- Failure to maintain lane
- Reckless driving
- Failure to provide proof of valid insurance
The dangers associated with driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs are well-known. Victims of motor vehicle accidents caused by dangerous substances can find closure and injury compensation by seeking a legal remedy in a Pennsylvania court.
Source: CentralJersey.com, “Driver facing multiple charges after crash in Allentown,” Jan. 09, 2018
