A teenage girl was killed in a Virginia Beach drunk driving accident.

Virginia Beach, VA- The perils of drinking and driving are well-known, and yet millions of drunken motorists get behind the wheel every year, sometimes with deadly consequences. A recent accident in Virginia Beach is an example of the devastation caused by an intoxicated driver.

Virginia Teen Killed in DUI Accident

In mid-May, a Chesapeake high school student was in Virginia Beach when she was struck by a truck. The 31-year old man behind the wheel was drunk and attempted to flee the scene.

The Virginian-Pilot reports that the accident occurred on May 19, 2017, around 3:19 p.m. on Indian River Road when the 17-year-old girl’s car was struck head-on by a delivery truck. The driver of the truck lost control of his vehicle and crossed the center line.

The young woman was killed on the scene. A passenger in the delivery truck suffered critical injuries and was rushed to the hospital.

How Does Alcohol Affect Driving?

Do you remember when you drove for the first time? Like most first time drivers, you probably felt a little scared and weren’t so confident about your skills. Those feelings probably went away after you got enough driving experience and overconfidence took over. That overconfidence often leads motorists to drink and drive, and that can be dangerous because of the way alcohol (and drugs) affect your driving abilities.

Having too many drinks can affect your driving in the following ways:

Slows down reaction times

Eye muscles are slowed which cab change your eye movements possibly causing blurred vision and impaired night vision

Lack of control over vehicle movement causing a driver to drift in and out of their lane

Your concentration and ability to evaluate a situation is severely diminished

Alcohol can make hand, eye, and foot coordination difficult.

The accident discussed above is the reason why there are severe penalties for causing a deadly drunken driving crash.

For a simple DUI in Virginia, you face the following penalties:

Minimum five days in jail

Minimum fine of $250

Mandatory license suspension of driver’s license for

Installation of an ignition interlock device

Conviction remains on your record for up to ten years

Can be denied professional licenses and student loans.

Speak to a DUI Lawyer in Virginia Beach

If you make a bad decision and get charged with a DUI, you could benefit from legal advice but if you are charged with a causing a fatal or injurious drunk driving accident. You need a well-though out the defense. We recommend you contact DUI lawyer Thomas Sheppard at (757) 761-9777 and set up a case evaluation. DUI attorney Thomas Sheppard will work hard on your defense and will work tirelessly to get you the best possible outcome for your case. Don’t put off getting legal help. USAttorneys can connect you with an experienced DUI lawyer in Virginia Beach. The sooner you act, the more time you give your attorney to work on your defense.

If you are arrested for DUI in Virginia Beach, USAttorneys.com can help you find a lawyer to work on your defense.