Over the weekend, a pedestrian was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver in Greenville, South Carolina. According to WLOS ABC News Channel 13, the incident happened on Saturday night. Very little information has been released about this fatal crash, but we do know that 46-year-old Eric Jonathan Zeigler was struck and killed by a vehicle while he was crossing a street. The driver involved, 44-year-old Ronald Gene Cathey, was arrested and charged with driving under the influence involving death and an open container. No additional information has been released about this fatal alcohol-involved crash.
Drunk Driving Crashes by The Numbers
In 2016, there were 10,497 fatalities in crashes involving drunk drivers.
Deaths in crashes involving drunk drivers made up 28 percent of crash fatalities in 2016.
On average, there was one alcohol-impaired-driving fatality every 50 minutes in 2016.
The estimated economic cost of drunk driving crashes in the U.S. in 2010 was $44 billion.
Calling For Tougher DWI Laws in North Carolina
At this time, efforts are being made to increase the penalties associated with deadly DWI crashes in North Carolina. WLOS ABC News Channel 13 recently reported on the task force meeting in Waynesville aimed at cracking down on deadly crashes involving drivers who have had their licenses revoked due to DWI. At this time, a deadly crash involving a driver who has had their license revoked for DWI is a misdemeanor with a maximum penalty of 75 days. Advocates are calling for this crime to be changed to a felony with a minimum active sentence of not less than 12 months with no suspension. The DWI task force will be meeting again in May in Henderson County.
Drunk Driving Accidents in Asheville
Drunk driving accidents are 100-percent preventable. After any kind of car accident involving a drunk driver, it’s important to speak with a personal injury lawyer about your case. You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills and other expenses associated with the crash.
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 919-939-2105 for a free case consultation today.