Drivers need to pay attention when they’re behind the wheel. There is no excuse for being intoxicated and driving; there are taxis, buses, and other options for people who get drunk and need a ride. Choosing to get behind the wheel and act recklessly can cause serious harm to another person or leave someone dead; if you’ve been victimized by a dangerous driver or have lost a loved one in a pedestrian crash, you know how true this can be.

A woman was charged with drunk driving for a fifth time for an accident that resulted in a pedestrian’s death. According to authorities, the 55-year-old woman hit a person around 10:30 p.m. on June 16, but she didn’t stop at the scene. Instead, they say that she continued on, leaving the victim to die at the scene.

With so many DUIs in her past, why was the woman behind the wheel? Under Tennessee law, the courts essentially give a person a reset on DUI counts. They aren’t allowed to consider any DUIs from over 10 years ago. In this case, the woman’s entire criminal history will end up playing a role, because she’s been charged with aggravated vehicular homicide.

Accidents like this are tragic and shouldn’t have to happen. Drivers have a responsibility to stay at the scene of a crash and render aid. Those who don’t stay at the scene to render assistance and/or wait for authorities to arrive to investigate and provide assistance leave themselves open to criminal charges as well as civil lawsuits from family members of the victim.

Source: Wate.com, “Memphis woman charged with at least 5 DUIs in court,” Jerrita Patterson, Aug. 08, 2016