On Sunday, August 12th there was a single-vehicle crash in Asheville. According to WLOS ABC News Channel 13, the wreck happened at about 6:30 p.m. on Patton Avenue, near the intersection for Bear Creek Road. Very little information about this wreck has been released, but initial reports indicate that the driver may have been under the influence at the time of the crash. A passenger, 28-year-old Kilby Greer Elkins of Candler, was ejected during the crash. She was rushed to Mission Hospital for treatment, but succumbed to her injuries a few days later.
Drunk Driving Crash in Asheville
According to reports, the eastbound vehicle was traveling down Patton Avenue when it crossed both westbound lanes, ran off of the roadway and overturned. On the scene, the driver was arrested and taken to Buncombe County Detention Center. That person was charged with driving while intoxicated (DWI). After the news of Elkin’s death, an additional charge of aggravated felony death by motor vehicle was issued.
Drunk Driving Crash Stats
In 2016, there were 10,497 fatalities in crashes involving alcohol-impaired drivers.
On average, there was one drunk driving crash fatality every 50 minutes in 2016.
The estimated economic cost of all alcohol-impaired crashes in the U.S. in 2010 was $44 billion.
Crash fatalities involving alcohol-impaired drivers made up 28 percent of all traffic crash fatalities in 2016.
Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is currently publicizing their 2018 national enforcement mobilization “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.” During this time, they will be raising awareness about the dangers of drunk driving with paid advertising campaigns. Additionally, law enforcement agencies across the nation will be stepping up efforts to catch drunk drivers and prevent drunk driving.
Drunk Driving Crashes in Asheville
After any kind of car accident involving a drunk or drugged driver, it’s important to speak with a lawyer about your options. A lawyer can be your advocate and your family’s advocate during a difficult time. If you have been injured or if you have lost a loved one in a car accident involving a drunk driver in Asheville or in any of the surrounding Western North Carolina communities, contact the skilled and proven team at Davis Law Group, P.A. at 828-303-2842 for a free case consultation today.