The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) recently arrested a 31-year-old man from Ocala in connection with a January 22 crash on County Road 326 in Anthony. He now faces three counts of driving under the influence (DUI) manslaughter and vehicular homicide.
Three people were killed in the accident: a 61-year-old man, his 56-year-old wife and their 31-year-old son. According to the FHP, the offender was driving a Ford F-650 tow truck heading west on State Road 326 when he suddenly left the road and moved onto the shoulder. The family was heading east on SR 326 in an SUV. The driver of the tow truck veered back on to SR 326 after striking a pair of mailboxes, but then hit the SUV at Northeast 25th Avenue.
All three people were pronounced dead at the scene, and the tow truck driver was transported to Ocala Regional Medical Center and was listed in serious condition. Investigators determined the man to be under the influence of drugs at the time of the accident.
Drugged driving becoming more common nationwide
Communities across the United States are experiencing major problems with incidents of drugged driving. While levels of alcohol-impaired driving have stayed somewhat consistent in recent years, drugged driving rates have skyrocketed over the last decade. This is due in large part to the opioid crisis that has hit the country.
If you or a loved one have been injured in an accident caused by a driver who was under the influence of drugs or alcohol, meet with a knowledgeable Florida personal injury lawyer at Goldman, Babboni, Fernandez, Murphy & Walsh right away.