As a Tarrant County car wreck attorney I have seen firsthand the devastation that a drunk driving collision can cause a family. Most people are well aware of the dangers of attempting to operate a motor vehicle after consuming alcohol, yet Texans continue to drink and drive at an alarming rate. I have no idea why, so I tied to imagine a drunk driver's thought process... What if I was the one standing there on the sidewalk outside the bar, car keys in hand, wondering whether to pay for a cab or take the risk? Would I be thinking about the consequences? Worrying about killing myself, a close friend, or a total stranger? I'm guessing many people who do choose to get behind the wheel after drinking don't think about that, or at least assume it could never happen to them. It could. It could happen to anyone.
On Sunday night, a 17-year-old female was arrested in Fort Worth following a single vehicle accident on I-30 which killed one person. Police report that the girl, who was not named, was driving a Dodge pickup carrying nine people when it hit standing water and the driver lost control. One of the passengers died at the scene. Five others were injured, including the driver. After receiving treatment for her injuries at Harris Methodist Hospital, police arrested the teenage driver. She is expected to face charges of intoxication manslaughter.
I can't imagine what she must be feeling right now. But I'm sure she wishes she had the opportunity to go back in time and make a different choice. Because of her, her friend is dead. Because of her, her life is ruined. It could happen to anyone.
