Early Friday morning – the day after the Fourth of July – Georgia police arrested six motorists on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI). The six arrests came as the result of one multi-vehicle collision. Only one out of the seven drivers involved in the accident was not arrested.
According to Clayton County Police, the accident occurred shortly after 3:00 a.m. on Friday, July 3. Reports state that a pedestrian walking on Interstate 75 – a major Georgia highway – was struck by a car, igniting a chain reaction that led to a seven car pile-up. The pedestrian received medical attention at the scene and was transported to a local area hospital in critical condition. Sources say that the pedestrian was charged with an offense for being in the roadway.
After local law enforcement officers arrived at the scene, it became apparent that several of the drivers were impaired. Sobriety and chemical tests were administered and six of the seven drivers were charged with driving under the influence. Five of the six drivers charged with a DUI were taken into custody. Another was taken to a nearby hospital. Southbound lanes on Interstate 75, just south of downtown Atlanta, remained closed until 9:00 a.m.
The pile-up came at a time when Georgia officers – as well as law enforcement agencies throughout the nation – were already on high alert for intoxicated and impaired motorists. Statistically, the Fourth of July weekend sees some of the highest rates of DUI arrests, drunk driving accidents, and DUI injuries and fatalities. As such, Georgia police had increased DUI patrols and were performing DUI checkpoints throughout the state. Fortunately in this collision, no one was fatally injured.
Protect Your Driving Privileges, Freedom & Future After a DUI Arrest
While this event is rare, there is certainly no denying the fact that the drivers charged with driving under the influence are sure to face exhaustive legal proceedings. After being arrested for a DUI, drivers will face two independent proceedings that deal with criminal penalties and driver's license suspensions or revocations. Although these two proceedings are conducted separately, they both pose serious punishments.
If you or your loved one has recently been arrested and charged with a DUI, it is of the utmost importance that you reach out to a seasoned Atlanta DUI lawyer as soon as possible. These charges can be beat, and with the prompt attention and assistance of a proven attorney, you can take the necessary steps to protect your rights and defend yourself against crippling penalties. For more information about DUI defense, contact the Law Offices of Howard J. Weintraub today.