Three injured in Florida crash

Three people are in the hospital in Florida, following a car wreck that police say was likely caused by drunk driving. According to crash investigators from the Florida Highway Patrol, the serious car accident occurred after a sedan carrying two men veered off the road when its driver failed to negotiate a sharp turn. The driver over-corrected, causing the vehicle to strike an oncoming SUV. Police said the collision was nearly head-on.

A witness claims to have been passed by the sedan just before the crash. He said that based on his own speed of around 50 miles per hour, the sedan could have been traveling as fast as 80 mph. The witness claimed that the sedan barely avoided a vehicle in the opposite lane before crashing moments later.

The passenger of the sedan, who was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash, sustained serious injuries after the collision, which caused his head to strike the steering wheel and windshield. The driver of the same vehicle allegedly tried to flee the scene on foot, but he was caught by police, who reported that he smelled strongly of alcohol. Both men were taken to a hospital to be treated for their injuries, as was the driver of the SUV.

The driver of the sedan was arrested and charged with leaving the scene of the accident and DUI with personal injury and property damage. His bond was set at $10,000.

The accident is another reminder of the dangers of drunk driving. Not only does the driver put himself or herself at risk, but the lives of passengers and other drivers are also at stake. Both the passenger and the SUV driver could have grounds for personal injury lawsuits, which could help hold the drunk driver accountable for his reckless actions.

Source: Flagler Live, "Head-On Crash Hurts 3 and Closes Belle Terre South of SR100; Driver Likely Drunk," Dec. 2, 2011