A Texas man responsible for a fatal car accident is blaming an in-car breathalyzer test for distracting him moments before the collision.
According to Arlington police officers, 18-year-old Alexis B. was backing out of a driveway when her vehicle was struck by a pickup truck. The driver of that truck said he was required to use an ignition interlock device, also known as an in-car breathalyzer, just a couple of moments before the crash.
Court documents state that the truck driver had been arrested previously for DWI on two occasions and the second case’s outcome required the installation of the breathalyzer device. According to the truck driver, he was responsible for providing a breath specimen every 15 minutes.
The truck driver alleged that the in-car breathalyzer required him to look down for several seconds, meaning that he never saw her vehicle and this caused the collision to happen.
Although no charges have been filed at this point in time, investigators are attempting to determine whether the in-car breathalyzer was enough of a distraction to cause the deadly accident and whether or not speed played a role at all. The truck’s data system is currently being analyzed to identify more evidence and an accident reconstruction analysis is being completed to identify other issues that may have been associated with the crash.
Officials in the area stated that they could not remember another time in which an in-car breathalyzer may have caused a crash or one so deadly.
Are In-Car Breathalyzers Popular?
The use of in-car breathalyzers has increased in recent years as many states consider it mandatory for someone who has been convicted of multiple DUIs. The theory behind the breathalyzer is much like the ignition interlock, because it should prevent anyone from driving their car under the influence of alcohol. However, looking down for even just a couple of seconds, even if required to participate in an in-car breathalyzer test, could cause a driver’s attention to be pulled away from the wheel long enough to lead to a deadly accident.
If you or someone you know has been injured in an accident caused by an in-car breathalyzer or another type of distracted driving incident, you may have grounds to file a legal claim to recover compensation. Distracted driving has become an increasingly common issue throughout the United States and has prompted many legislators and authorities to raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving.
As technology and vehicles become more prominent, this generates concerns about whether or not the technology is helping or hurting the distracted driving epidemic.
If you have been hurt in an accident because another driver was not paying attention at the time, consult with the experienced attorneys at McDonald Worley as soon as possible.. Call today for a free case evaluation.