Driving in the early morning hours is often more difficult than driving during the middle of the day. For example, fatigue could be an issue for the driver. Also, it may be more difficult to see due to lack of sunlight. There are any number of reasons why a driver might have an accident at this time, and driving under the influence is often one of them. A man from the Chicago area faces a DUI charge after a recent fatal accident in Illinois.
The accident occurred in the early morning hours of a January morning. Reports indicate that a 28-year-old man was traveling in a pickup truck with a 26-year-old male passenger. The pickup allegedly struck a semi-truck that was parked on the side of a road. The pickup then bounced back into the roadway, where it struck a sedan.
The drivers of all three vehicles were transported to area hospitals for treatment, but all are expected to recover. The passenger in the pickup truck, however, died at the scene of the accident. The driver of the pickup now faces charges related to aggravated DUI.
While driving under the influence is clearly against the law, the Chicago man facing a DUI charge is considered innocent until and unless prosecutors can prove that he is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. At this time, it is unclear why police officers suspected that the man was under the influence. While most citizens want justice after the death of an innocent man, prosecutors must show that the charges are justified before any conviction can be secured. Additionally, the rights of the accused must be carefully safeguarded throughout the judicial process.
Source: abc7chicago.com, Hickory Hills man charged in I-80 Minooka death of Bridgeview man, No author, Jan. 24, 2014