Anyone who has driven in a car with small children knows of the distractions they can cause. A cup of spilled water or the need to stop an argument can easily cause enough of a distraction to cause a serious car accident. However, one woman now faces a DUI charge after an accident in Chicago resulted in the injury of several children she was driving.
The accident occurred at night in early October. According to reports, the 22-year old driver of a minivan struck a guard rail. The impact caused the van to roll over. At this time, it is unknown what caused the driver to strike the rail.
Several people were transported to area hospitals for treatment of injuries sustained in the accident. Their conditions ranged from serious to critical. The driver has since been charged with child endangerment and driving under the influence. The accident remains under investigation.
At this time, it is unclear how officers determined that the driver had been drinking at the time of the accident. There is no information on field sobriety, Breathalyzer or blood tests performed to support the DUI charge against the young woman. In order to obtain a conviction, Chicago prosecutors will have to provide evidence that proves the woman is guilty of the charges against her beyond a reasonable doubt — a sometimes difficult standard to meet. Unless and until that time, the woman is considered innocent of the charges. While the injury to so many, especially children, is tragic and leads the general public to seek accountability, it is important that the driver of the vehicle isn’t wrongfully accused in the desire to find someone to blame.
Source: CBS Chicago, Woman Charged With DUI In I-57 Crash That Hurt 8, No author, Oct. 7, 2013