A single-car, drunk driving accident in Massachusetts has taken the lives of two-teenagers — the driver of the vehicle faces charges including negligent motor vehicle homicide by operation under the influence of alcohol, as well as charges of operating under the influence, negligent operation, and speeding, according to Boston.com.
Police reports state that the male driver sped up and suddenly, for no reason and all, slammed on the brake causing the car to slide sideways before it smashed into a barrier on the McGrath Highway, according to Everett Independent.
Our Boston drunk driving accident attorneys would like to remind motorists, once again, of the dangers of driving under the influence. All too often, lives are lost because a driver gets behind the wheel after drinking or taking other drugs. The risks are increased even more when the driver is an inexperienced young operator.
Two female passengers, who were reportedly wearing their seat belts at the time of the accident, died. The first one was pronounced dead as the emergency responders reached the accident scene. The second passenger later died from her injuries.
“He was pulling his hair crying, screaming…’I killed her, I was driving, and I’m drunk,” Assistant District Attorney Ceara Mahoney said at the hearing, adding that the defendant stated, “I’m responsible for her death.”
A not-guilty plea was entered on the driver’s behalf. He was held on $5,000 cash bail.
“We need to do a better job educating the students about drinking and driving,” said Everett Assistant Superintendent Charles Obremski. “It’s an unfortunate situation. It’s very, very sad.”
This isn’t the driver’s first run in with the law as court records show that he has not received serious punishment for any of the previous criminal charges that he’s faced. Just last month, the court dropped charges for assault and battery, assault and battery on a police officer and resisting arrest in Milton after the case was continued without a finding. According to the Quincy District Court clerk’s office, the driver has also previously pleaded guilty to charges of disorderly conduct. That finding was merely put on file.
Earlier this year, the court dismissed even more charges, including charges of being a minor in possession of alcohol and disorderly conduct. According to the Lawrence District Court clerk’s office, the charges were dropped after he completed pretrial probation.
More than 30 percent of drivers between the ages of 15 and 20 who were killed in traffic accidents reportedly had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .01 grams per deciliter (g/dL) or high. More than 25 percent had a BAC of .08 g/dL or higher, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In 2009, more than 5,100 young intoxicated drivers were involved in fatal accidents.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident with a drunk driver in Massachusetts, contact the Boston Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers at The Law Office of Jeffrey S. Glassman for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your rights. Call 877-617-5333.