April 9, 2013
Lawmakers are making efforts to stiffen penalties against drivers who flee the scene of a Texas Auto Accident.
An article from The Houston Chronicle states that Senate Bill 275 would make the crime of failing to stop and render aid following a collision a second-degree felony, punishable by between two and 20-years in prison and a $10,000 fine. This brings the punishment for fleeing the scene in line with what an individual charged with intoxication manslaughter would face.
Legislators believe it is important that the punishment for both crimes be similar, considering how many cases of a motorist leaving the scene of a collision involve alcohol.
For instance, at around 9:15 p.m. on August 11 of last year, a man was riding a motorcycle along an Interstate 10 frontage road in Houston when a drunk driver struck him from behind. The motorist responsible for the accident fled the scene but was arrested a short time later. She was charged with failing to render aid and was sentenced to two-years in jail. Under the new law, she could have faced a punishment of up to 20 years in prison.
Officials hope the stiffer penalties will encourage drunk drivers to stay off the road.
The Austin Personal Injury Attorneys with Daniel Stark Injury Lawyers are aware of the serious damage driving drunk can cause to numerous lives. The firm urges anyone who has been consuming alcohol to call a cab or utilize a designated driver to travel home safely.
