A North Carolina man from Hickory is now facing substantial criminal charges after he crashed into a mobile Breathalyzer unit. He has been accused of driving while impaired, but was initially taken to an area hospital for injuries he sustained in the accident. If convicted, he could face serious consequences.
The accident reportedly happened early on the morning of Dec. 4 while officers were conducting a DWI checkpoint along U.S. Highway 321 Business. While officers worked to close up the mobile testing lab, the 21-year-old apparently drove into the back end of the vehicle. When the crash occurred, there were multiple officers, a magistrate and two DWI suspects inside the mobile lab, which is about the size of an RV.
Officials claim that the accident caused $10,000 worth of damage to the mobile testing lab and that the man’s vehicle sustained $4,000 worth of damage. However, he also unfortunately suffered injuries that caused him to lose consciousness several times. He is now listed in stable condition at the Catawba Valley Medical Center. Police have charged him with DWI, reckless and careless driving, and driving with a revoked license. Additional charges of no insurance, no inspection, invalid plate and failure to slow down for an accident were also filed.
This case calls attention to breath testing in a DWI scenario. While Breathalyzers can be used to determine a person’s level of inebriation, they are not always 100 percent accurate. Occasionally, breath tests are not properly calibrated before use, meaning any readings may have been inaccurate and certainly unreliable. This is just one of many things that can be helpful to know if you have been charged with drunk driving. Speaking to an experienced attorney may be helpful in making sure you know all of your rights and options.
Source: WBTV, “Drunk man crashes into mobile lab during DWI checkpoint, police say,” Chris Dyches, Dec. 5, 2011
