Drunk Driver Mows Down Boy Scouts, Killing One

The Boy Scouts ages 12-16 were walking on the shoulder of David Terry Road in Manorville, facing oncoming traffic along with their adult chaperones. Suddenly, an allegedly drunk driver barreled into 5 of the Scouts, head-on, injuring all of them including two seriously. One 12-year old boy later died of his injuries.

Although drunk driving fatalities in the U.S. have decreased by 51% since 1982, they still occur far too frequently. Car accidents caused by alcohol-impaired drivers account for 28% of total vehicle fatalities and are entirely preventable. In 2016, 283 people lost their lives in New York drunk driving accidents.

The 59-year old SUV driver involved in the Manorville accident has so far been charged with driving while intoxicated and has had his driver’s license suspended.

Can Drunk Driving Be Stopped?

New York State’s recent “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign aims to prevent drunk and drugged driving via education as well as increased law enforcement. The campaign urges drivers to drive sober or to designate a sober driver, call for a ride or take a cab or rideshare service.

As part of the campaign, motorists are urged to download the free “Have a Plan” mobile app available from the New York State Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee. The app has several features to educate drivers about DWI as well as real tools to handle situations when they shouldn’t drive. App users can program a designated driver list, locate a rideshare service or taxi, learn about blood alcohol content (BAC) and DWI laws and even report a suspected impaired driver.

To stop DWI offenders from repeating this crime, our state has an ignition interlock device law. The device prevents a driver from starting the car if his BAC is above a certain level. A person who has been sentenced for DWI must have the ignition interlock device installed on any vehicle that they own or operate and have this restriction added to their license.

Victims of drunk driving accidents are often severely injured or killed, as in the case of the innocent Boy Scout in the Manorville pedestrian accident. Injuries can result in partial or full disability with escalating costs for current and future medical treatment, rehabilitation, physical therapy, home and vehicle modifications and lost wages.

If you or a family member has been injured in a car accident, our experienced trial lawyers will build the strongest possible case to help you recover these expenses and any other form of compensation to which you or your family are entitled to receive.

Let Us Know If You Have Been Injured in a Car Accident

If you or a family member has been harmed by a car accident, truck accident, construction accident, slip and fall or any other type of personal injury, please contact StolzenbergCortelli, LLC Attorneys at Law immediately. Please call us for a free consultation. Attorneys Howard Stolzenberg and Terrence James Cortelli, personal injury attorneys in White Plains, Nyack and New York City, will fight to secure justice for you and your family. You can reach us at (914) 361 – 4888 or contact us via the website.