Boston Car Accident Lawyer Blog
A 25-year-old Melrose man crashed into a car that was pulled over in the breakdown lane on Route 1 earlier this month, seriously injuring a 6-yer-old boy, according to Boston.com.
Local officials say the driver was driving while impaired and that marijuana was involved in the Boston car accident.
Boston personal injury lawyers understand the potential consequences that driving under the influence can have on motorists. According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly 4,000 of the drivers who were involved in car accidents and were tested for drug use reported positive results last year. NHTSA reports also indicate that driving while under the influence of drugs is on the rise.
“Every driver on the road has a personal responsibility to operate his or her vehicle with full and uncompromised attention on the driving task,” said NHTSA Administrator David Strickland at the time. “Today’s report provides a warning signal that too many Americans are driving after having taken drugs, not realizing the potential for putting themselves and others on the highway at risk.”
According to the Essex District Attorney’s office, the 25-year-old driver pleaded not guilty to motor vehicle homicide while under the influence of drugs; operating negligently; OUI drugs, second offense; speeding; and marijuana possession with intent to distribute.
When the driver was asked if he had consumed any alcohol, he stated, “No, but I might have weed on me,” according to a police report.
According to the Marijuana Policy Project, police officials hope to one day institute some sort of system to determine impairment on the roadside for marijuana and other prescription drugs since blood tests and urine tests are regulated, time consuming and expensive. Officers are anticipating technology for saliva tests, which are not currently regulated by national standards.
Officials report finding two pipes with fresh marijuana reside inside the 25-year-old’s vehicle and three bags of marijuana near the scene.
If you or a loved one has been the victim of an impaired driver in a Massachusetts car accident, contact our Boston injury lawyers at Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your rights. Call 877-617-5333 or contact us through the website.