It is no secret that it is not a good idea to drink and drive in Massachusetts. Countless studies have shown the negative effect alcohol can have on your driving abilities. It works on various systems in the brain that are vital when driving including impairing judgment, coordination, concentration, even vision, and hearing. In addition, since alcohol acts to slow down the functioning of the brain, it can also slow down reaction time. This can make it almost impossible for a drunk driver to react quickly to dangerous circumstances and avoid collisions.
Because of the increased awareness of the dangers of drinking and driving, authorities are no longer giving those convicted of DUI just a slap on the wrist. Drunken drivers are now facing serious penalties, including expensive fines and in some cases, jail time.
This is the case for a Boston man who was recently sentenced for drinking and driving. The 30-year-old man was speeding and driving drunk in April when he let his car drift across the center line and collided head-on into another vehicle. A 42-year-old woman in the other car was killed and her stepson was injured in the car accident.
The man pled guilty to assault and negligent homicide while intoxicated. He was recently sentenced to five to 15 years behind bars.
The family of the woman killed in this accident has been through a lot because of the negligence of someone who chose to drink and drive. They may wish to speak with an attorney about their right to compensation for their love one’s pain and suffering and funeral costs.
Source: My Fox Boston, “Mass. Man gets 5 to 15 years in NH fatal accident,” Dec. 20, 2013