Santa Rosa Accident Involving Alcohol Leaves Mother and Baby Seriously Injured
A Clearlake Oaks woman was traveling with her husband and eight-month-old daughter when an accident occurred in Santa Rosa, leaving the woman and her baby seriously injured.
The accident involved alcohol on the part of Faustina Vega Xicohtencati, who was driving the Ford pickup truck that struck the victims Mercury Mountaineer. The woman and baby are expected to recover, and the baby’s father sustained only minor injuries in the crash. Xicohtencati was extremely intoxicated when officers arrived at the scene of the crash, and has been arrested on charges of felony DUI, as well as driving without a valid license. He had picked up a hitchhiker before the accident occurred, who he insists was driving although the hitchhiker fled the scene.
With spring around the corner, California car accident lawyers and law enforcement expect that the incidence of driving while under the influence will increase. Many high school and college kids consider spring break party time, which means more people on the roads will be put at risk of being seriously injured in an accident involving alcohol. Law enforcement agencies are at heightened alert during this time of year, and are ready to enforce the law when it comes to these young men and women who decide to get behind the wheel after having a few drinks. Partiers are only concerned about having a good time, and not the risk they put themselves and others at when they decide to drive in an intoxicated condition. MADD is getting involved across the country in various cities, and parents are encouraged to talk with their children about the dangers of drunk driving.
How Alcohol Contributes to Accidents
Those who have had a few drinks often feel carefree and invincible. They decide to get behind the wheel because they feel that they are in perfectly good condition to drive, and any caution they would feel if sober is abandoned.
Alcohol contributes to recklessness and loosens inhibitions, which is why California accident lawyers often witness those who are intoxicated behind the wheel participating in risky driving practices such as speeding or other unsafe behavior. Alcohol also impairs reflexes and sense of judgment, which may lead to an accident due to the drivers inability to determine distances or slow a car down in time to avoid a crash. Drunk drivers react slower to an emergency, simply because their response is delayed due to alcohol consumption.
Drunk driving is all too common, and is one of the most risky behaviors young people can participate in. Driving while under the influence puts the driver at risk, as well as other motorists, pedestrians or bicyclists who may be on the road. Severe injury or even death may be the result.
The Reeves Law Group has offices across California and is dedicated to representing personal injury victims, including victims of drunk driving accidents. Please contact us for a free consultation at (800) 644-8000.
