Unfortunately, accidents involving drunk drivers are all too common on the roadways in in Dallas/Ft. Worth. Recently, a man was killed by a suspected drunk driver while checking a flat tire.
Joel Banaca was traveling with a pregnant woman and another man on 635 near Coit Rd, when they pulled over with a flat tire. Banaca and the other man got out of the car to check the tire. A suspected drunk driver struck the back of the SUV, pinning Banaca and killing him. The other man was knocked into traffic, but managed to get up and get to safety. The pregnant woman complained of abdominal pain and was taken to a hospital.
The suspected drunk driver was arrested on suspicion of intoxication manslaughter.
This is good time to remind you of some safety tips if you have a blowout while traveling on a highway:
We have high speed limits on our highways and that reduces reaction time.Make sure you turn on your emergency flashers.If at all possible, get to the next exit and get off the highway.Driving a short distance on a flat tire should not cause major damage.But it’s better to repair a damaged wheel rather than get hit by a car.If you cannot get off the highway, get as far away from traffic as possible.If you have flares or hazard reflectors, use them.Most auto insurance carriers offer roadside assistance for a very nominal fee.It is worth purchasing!If you are on an NTTA toll road, you can call #999 for roadside assistance 24/7.Finally, if you are stranded and cannot change your tire, call 911.
And above all, with the availability of cabs, Uber and Lyft, there is simply no reason to drink and drive.
The Harris Firm PC, urges drivers to heed the safety tips listed in this article. We want every driver to arrive at their destination safely.
