The costs of a DUI go beyond the fines that must be paid and the fees for DUI school and obtaining a reinstatement of a license. There are, of course, the medical costs – those who are injured require medical treatment. There are the costs to the cities and states – police officers who must investigate and arrest those who commit DUIs. There are the costs to both the victims and the perpetrators – property damage and again, those medical bills. There is also the cost to the innocent bystanders – those who have to plan alternative ways to their destinations. The San Diego Union-Tribune reports on a DUI crash that closed a freeway for 14 hours.
CHP officer Mark Latulippe said of the accident, “This particular crash had some aspects that we needed too much closer at.”
The California Highway Patrol believes that there are not one, but two possible DUI suspects in the crash that closed down SR 78 west of Sycamore Avenue in Vista, California.
The crash, which occurred at about 2:15 a.m. on Sunday, involved three vehicles. First, a 33-year-old woman at the wheel of a Toyota Corolla lost control of the vehicle and ended up plowing into a divider. A Scion XB that followed struck the disabled Corolla.
Both cars were blocking the three freeway lanes when a Scion XC arrived at the scene, striking the Scion XB.
During the crash, the driver of the Corolla, who was not named, was ejected from the vehicle. She died at the scene of the crash.
Both Scion drivers are suspected of being under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the accident. The driver of the Scion XB suffered from major injuries in the crash. Three people in the Scion XC suffered from minor injuries.
The freeway was closed for the investigation until 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, 14 hours after the accident.
