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Traffic laws are implemented to maintain peace and order and to ensure the safety of people. If such laws are violated, injuries and damages may occur.
Last March 23, an accident happened in Chula Vista where a suspected drunk driver who was on probation for DUI (driving under the influence) led police officers on a short chase, resulting in major property damage ended only after the driver crashed into a house.
Because the accident started when the 30-year-old driver, who was driving a full-size Chevy pickup at around 2:15 a.m., was stopped by police officers because of a traffic violation and then sped off as the officers approached him. Some drivers, including this one, may think that they can get away from such a violation so they flee from the scene, without taking into consideration the possible consequences of their actions. After the driver sped off, he lost control of the vehicle, crashing into a house.
The accident resulted in major damage to the garage and to a car inside it, as well as two more vehicles, one in the driveway and the other one in a neighbor’s adjoining driveway. The driver sustained moderate injuries.
All these resulted because of the driver’s refusal to abide by the traffic laws, not knowing that such rules are intended to protect people from harm, including himself.
California Vehicle Code provides that a driver involved in an accident should immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident.
Not knowing the law is not an excuse not to stop in case of accident. Ignorance of the law excuses no one; neither Good faith is a good defense.
Everyone is obliged to stop in an accident scene, particularly if a motorist is injured or death is involved. A simple 911 call is a sufficient way of showing help. The driver of the vehicle that hit Bobby Ray Rowe should know this.
Ray Rowe, a 34-year old one-legged homeless man, was a victim of hit and run. He was found dead behind a Bank of America branch near Van Nuys.
Los Angeles police found him lying down half on the street and half on the sidewalk.
Even without a law, human nature dictates that once you have wronged a person, the least you can do is help him and show concern for his pain and suffering.
While investigations were made, no information was gathered as to the identity of the culprit. Police officers urged the public, especially those who witnessed the incident, to help them find the offender and eventually, charged him in court. Otherwise, his death would just be another incident of unresolved hit and run case.
Actions of drivers while they are driving out on the streets should always be guarded because even a simple mistake made by them cause serious problems to others.
Just like the incident that led to a short chase in Chula Vista involving a 30 year old driver that was suspected to be driving under the influence alcohol. The chase ended when the suspect lost control and crashed into someone’s house, which had caused major destruction to some of the properties.
It is fortunate that no one was physically injured in the incident.
Drunk driving is one of the most common causes of vehicle accidents. Such accident can be avoided if drivers will follow established traffic laws. A little effort on their part can save others from facing property damages, sustaining injuries, or even death.
The present global financial crisis is not the only problem for Americans. Ensuring the safety of American consumers has also been a struggle.
In fact, some of the most controversial and serious product liability cases and settlements involved suits filed against major car manufacturers, pharmaceuticals companies, medical device makers and food corporations.
Defective bassinets, faulty cars, salmonella infective food and toys with excessive lead content or made with dangerous ingredients were among the products that consumers have been exposed to. Many of these products came from overseas like China.
The question now is what are the steps taken by the government to ensure the safety of Americans especially the children?
In a Congressional Hearing last November 2008, Attorney Tomas Gowen urged lawmakers to pass a law barring dangerous and defective products from entering the U.S. territories and holding the manufacturers liable should their products cause injuries.
Gowen recommended that all foreign manufacturers and sellers should obtain import license containing the name, address, product lines and brand names made by such company.
The license also requires revealing the name of the agent who would sell the same. Moreover, such import license would also compel foreign manufacturers to maintain adequate product liability insurance.
Gowen’s testimony represented those victims of negligent foreign manufacturers. We have yet to see how the Congress reacts to this proposal.
When you want your community’s image to change for the better, you help your officials to put awareness in your own community.
Dr. Owen Leons, founder of Teachable Moment Foundation, saw this urge to help Sacramento California in its battle against drunk driving.
Sacramento ranks first in California for having the most cases of drunk-driving incidents.
As a starter for his campaign, he established a website called every37.com aimed at social marketing efforts to reach young motorists who are often the victims of drunk-driving related accidents. It specifically targets motorists between 18 to 35 years old who are prone to the risks of drunk driving.
The website would serve as an interactive portal that would inform drivers of the dangerous consequences of driving while intoxicated. To further the campaign, advertising promotions were launched. Media appearances and streets plays were performed to spread information.
Based on the statistics, the numbers are alarming. This does not include incidents, which are unaccounted for. I bet if all incidents were properly accounted for, most probably the statistics will zoom up.
If all of us will help contribute to the betterment of our community just like what Leons did, certainly, the world would be a better place to live in especially for our children.
