Yesterday, a San Rafael Police Department (SRPD) officer was involved in a collision caused by a drunk driver. The SRPD reported on Twitter that the accident occurred when an intoxicated driver behind the wheel of a speeding Dodge Dart ran a red light and struck the police vehicle at the intersection of Francisco Boulevard East and Bellam Boulevard.
DUI DRIVER INJURES SRPD OFFICER IN CRASH:
— San Rafael Police Department (@SanRafaelPolice) September 30, 2023
Around 1:30 AM this morning, an SRPD officer was on patrol driving through the intersection at Francisco Boulevard East and Bellam Boulevard when a speeding driver in a Dodge Dart ran the red light and broadsided the police car.
The… pic.twitter.com/VPdsRWjte0
The impact of the collision caused the police vehicle, to be pushed nearly 100 feet, resulting in minor injuries to the officer. He was transported quickly to a hospital for treatment and subsequently released to recover at home. The vehicle, despite its sophisticated safety equipment, was declared a total loss.
The drunk driver was charged with felony DUI leading to causing injury, DUI, and driving without a license. He was booked into the Marin County Jail, according to the SRPD tweet. While expressing relief that their officer survived, the SRPD stressed the harsh reality of DUI-related incidents in their statement.
In 2022, California experienced the loss of 1,069 lives due to DUI incidents, a sobering figure that underscores the hazards associated with drunk driving.
Opting for services like designated drivers, taxis, or public transportation can significantly help prevent DUI-related accidents.
