Any crash involving a person who is intoxicated can be a traumatic experience to all involved. California takes it very seriously when there are children in the vehicle with the intoxicated driver. There are two ways that a prosecutor can charge the driver in this instance. They can charge the driver with a regular DUI charge but add an enhancement charge of having a minor under the age of 14 in the vehicle. Another way the prosecutor can charge the offense is by charging the driver with both a DUI charge and a child endangerment charge. The driver could even find themselves facing a child abuse charge.
KTLA reports that a mother is suspected of a DUI in a North Hills crash that killed an infant child and injured others.
The accident occurred last Monday night at about 11:45 P.M. in the 15200 block of Nordhoff Street.
A woman, who is suspected of being intoxicated, drove a white SUV into oncoming traffic. She was traveling at high speed when she collided with a black SUV. At least two other vehicles, which were parked, were also damaged in the collision.
The driver had to be extricated from the vehicle and was taken to a hospital for treatment of her injuries. A 4-month-old boy suffered from critical injuries. He succumbed to those injuries at the hospital. His twin had moderate injuries. Another child was also injured. Both children are expected to survive.
Investigators say that none of the children were properly restrained.
The mother, who was the driver of the white SUV, suffered from minor injuries. She was later determined to have been under the influence.
Her name was not released.
