It doesn’t take being legally drunk in order to have one’s judgment impaired when it comes to operating a motor vehicle. Studies have shown that even a single drink can slow down the reaction time of people who are driving, an activity that requires constant vigilance and quick thinking in the face of potentially dangerous circumstances.
Police said the driver of a commercial truck had a blood alcohol level of 0.07 percent when he was involved in a fatal truck accident last month. The crash killed a 67-year-old man who founded a charity bike ride that has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for local efforts to combat hunger in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
The victim’s wife was also injured in the crash and was taken to a hospital. According to police, the truck driver said that he had consumed a shot of gin and a beer prior to the accident. He also told police that he didn’t see the victim’s car, which was stopped at a red light when the accident took place.
The truck driver is facing several charges, including death by auto and driving under the influence. Officials added an additional charge, aggravated assault by auto, because of the injuries suffered by the victim’s wife.
The family of the deceased man may be inclined to seek compensation for his death, as well as the injuries of his wife. Hospital bills, funeral expenses and the loss of a loved one are all costs that could lead to the family receiving compensation.
Source: The Times of Trenton, “Truck driver in Rt. 1 crash that killed S. Brunswick man had breath test result of 0.07,” Bridget Clerkin, March 27, 2014