Yesterday's evening commute was disrupted by a serious vehicle accident in Piedmont, as reported by the Piedmont Police Department on their Facebook page. Around 5:21 pm, officers were called to the scene at the intersection of Highland Ave and Oakland Ave, where they discovered that one of the drivers had run a red light and collided with another vehicle. The force of the impact was significant, but fortunately, and somewhat remarkably, no one was injured.

Upon further investigation, it was revealed that the culprit behind the wheel was under the influence of alcohol. The driver was arrested and booked at Santa Rita Jail for DUI. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the continuing threat posed by intoxicated drivers. According to the Piedmont Police Department, "the driver and passengers in the vehicle were all seat belted and uninjured." A small mercy in an event that could have ended with far graver consequences.

The accident highlights a pervasive problem on our roads—one that seems impervious to public awareness campaigns and legal deterrents. Alcohol-impaired driving is not the only danger; the police underscored that both illegal and prescription drugs can also impair driving. The lines blur between substances, but the outcome is the same: a disregard for the safety of oneself and others and a risk that is never worth taking.

In the wake of the accident, officials are seizing the opportunity to educate the public once more. The message remains clear and urgent: driving under the influence of any substance is dangerous and illegal. The Piedmont Police Department urges everyone to consider the potentially catastrophic effects of such decisions, advocating for safer choices that could reduce the number of these preventable incidents.