In California, the drinking age is 21 years old. To try and ensure that younger adults and teens do not drink and drive, they have a “zero tolerance” policy. The “zero tolerance” policy states that if someone under 21 has a blood-alcohol content of 0.1% or higher, they can be charged with DUI. Not only can they be charged with DUI, but they can face all the penalties an adult charged with DUI would face. If the DUI involves an accident where there are injuries or fatalities, the charges can quickly escalate and become even more serious.
Hometown Station reports on a 20-year-old DUI suspect who was arrested following a fatal crash in Canyon County.
Santa Clarita resident 20-year-old Joshua Austin was heading west along Soledad Canyon Road in a Ford Ranger pickup truck. He allegedly failed to stop at a red light and collided with a Hyundai Elantra. Austin impacted the Elantra on the driver’s side.
The driver of the Elantra was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of a third vehicle involved in the accident, a Toyota Prius, was taken to the hospital with minor injuries.
Deputies who responded to the accident detained Austin at the scene. They eventually arrested him on suspicion of driving under the influence.
The incident is being investigated by the Santa Clarita Sheriff’s Station traffic office. They believe that speed and alcohol were factors in the crash.
