It is an unfortunate truth that drunk drivers are still common on the road in Schuylkill and across Pennsylvania. While significant attention is now paid to distracted drivers, the ever-present dangers of drivers who get behind the wheel under the influence of alcohol and drugs remains. A person who is simply minding his or her own business as a driver, a motorcyclist, bicyclist or pedestrian can find themselves in the hospital with severe injuries after being hit by a drunk driver. In a worst-case scenario, there can be a fatality and a family will be planning a funeral and remembrance for a lost loved one.
According to a recent report, a teen who played football for his school died when he was hit by an alleged drunk driver. The teen was on a motorcycle in the evening when a 63-year-old man crossed into the opposite lanes of the road and crashed into the rider. The rider wore a helmet, but his injuries were catastrophic and he died. When law enforcement investigated, they placed the driver under arrest as he is suspected of having been under the influence. The investigation into the case is ongoing.
An untold amount of damage can be done by a drunk driver. Since alcohol reduces reaction time and leads to worsened judgment, among other issues, a crash can happen in an instant. People can find themselves with major medical costs, lost wages, a radically changed future and the need for extensive care. If there is a fatality, the family will be forced to accept that their loved one is never coming home. These accidents are always terrible, but it is exponentially worse when it is a young person who was just starting out in life who is killed.
The investigation of this recent incident is continuing to gather evidence as to what happened. The young man’s family must make sure they are protected as well. This is a critical aspect after a drunk driving accident and it should not be ignored.