A wrong-way crash on I-14 near Jasper Road late Saturday night left two people hurt and a driver under arrest. Police say the crash happened around 10 p.m. when a Pontiac sedan, driving eastbound in the westbound lanes, hit a Toyota sedan head-on.
The Pontiac caught fire after the crash, but witnesses helped the driver escape. Police alleged she may have exhibited signs of intoxication and was arrested at the scene. The two people in the Toyota, a man and a woman, were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and are in stable condition.
Whenever I hear about crashes like this, I start wondering how the driver ended up going the wrong way and, if they were allegedly impaired, whether they were overserved at a local business. This kind of information is crucial to understanding the actions leading up to the crash.
Why Was the Driver in the Wrong Lane?
One big question is how the driver of the Pontiac ended up driving the wrong way. Was she impaired, distracted, or confused? Police allege that alcohol was involved, and assuming for the sake of argument that the authorities are correct, it raises the question, where did she drink?
Late-night crashes like this often involve impaired drivers, but it’s not just about what happened at the scene. Investigators should dig into the events leading up to the crash to figure out how she got behind the wheel in the first place.
Could a Bar or Restaurant Be Responsible?
Texas dram shop laws hold bars and restaurants accountable if they serve alcohol to someone who is "obviously intoxicated" who then harms someone else. If the driver had been drinking at an establishment before the crash, investigators need to find out whether she was overserved, because they may have acted unlawfully.
This means looking at receipts, surveillance footage, and talking to witnesses. If a bar allowed her to leave while she was clearly impaired, they might share responsibility for what happened to those injured.
What Should Investigators Look At?
To get the full picture, investigators need to collect key evidence. The Pontiac’s Engine Control Module (ECM) can show how fast the car was going and whether the brakes were applied.
They should also review traffic camera footage and speak with witnesses who saw the crash. All of this can help answer how long she was driving the wrong way and what might have stopped her sooner.
Getting Answers Is Crucial in These Kinds of Accidents
This crash raises many questions about what led to the collision and whether others might have played a role. Investigating the driver’s actions, alleged impairment, and whether a bar or restaurant contributed is essential to ensuring accountability. In my experience, thorough investigations are the key to finding answers and helping those affected by crashes like this one.