Kokomo Driver Was Under the Influence, Speeding, and Texting Prior To Deadly Crash

Officers were responding to a stretch of roadway on U.S. 31 after several
911 calls referenced a wrong-way driver. That driver was Amber Nicole
Watson of Kokomo, who was operating a 2010 Dodge Avenger while under the
influence of alcohol, speeding and involved in a text messaging conversation
just before she was in a head on collision with a semi-truck driver. A
subsequent investigation by the Kokomo Police Department and the Howard
County Coroner’s Office concluded that Watson had a blood alcohol
level of 0.138 percent. Police also say she was traveling at a high rate
of speed while southbound in the northbound lanes. Sadly, Watson was pronounced
dead at the scene. The truck driver was sent to a local hospital and later released.

We are sorry to hear of this young woman’s passing and hope others
learn about the dangers driving under the influence, speeding, and the
risks associated with distracted driving caused by cell phones and text
messaging.

Driving Under the Influence in Indiana

If you are arrested for operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated, you
will be handcuffed and taken to the police station. Your car and your
person will be searched and the car will be towed at your expense. You
will be asked to take a certified breath test. If you refuse, your license
will automatically be suspended for one year
via the implied consent law IC 9-30-6-1. If you take a breath test and it shows that your blood alcohol content
is .08% or more, your driver’s license will be suspended for a minimum
of 30 days. To be released from jail, bail will have to be posted.

Texting While Driving Is Against the Law

While all
distracted driving is dangerous, texting is the most alarming because it involves all three
types of distraction at the same time.

  • You’re not looking at the road.
  • Your hands aren’t on the wheel.
  • You’re not focused on driving.

Not only is texting while driving deadly, it is against Indiana law. This
law went into effect on July 1, 2011, and it says it is “unlawful
to type, transmit, or read e-mail or text messages on a communication
device while driving” in Indiana. Violators may face fines of up
to $500. Texting and driving is dangerous for you, your passengers, and
everyone on and near the roads. If that isn’t enough to convince
you, consequences will be expensive, severe and can cause deadly accidents
to others.

Speeding Kills

The National Transportation Safety Board says speeding kills about as many
people each year as drunken driving. According to the board, about the
same number of fatal crashes each year due to driving under the influence,
about 10,000, involve speeding.

No Risk Drunk Driving Attorneys

If you or your family members were injured as the result of the poor decisions
of a negligent driver who was drunk, speeding, or distracted, the
car accident attorneys at Wagner Reese can assist you in pursuing the compensation you deserve
and may need for medical care and to cover a loss of wages while injured.
There is no risk, as we never collect any kind of fee unless your case
is settled or won. Contact us today at (888) 204-8440 for more information
or to schedule a free consultation.