Georgia authorities typically take the charge of driving without a valid license seriously, especially in the event that an accident with injuries occurs. Recently, police accused a 31-year-old man who was under a driver’s license suspension of causing an accident that critically injured an off-duty MARTA police officer. The officer had reportedly been traveling northbound on Moreland Avenue in Atlanta when the 31-year-old driver heading in the opposite direction crossed over into his lane.
According to reports, the accused driver had his license suspended after committing some sort of traffic infraction earlier this year. Police have now charged that man with failing to stay in his lane and driving in the wrong lane of traffic following this more recent accident. At least one witness claimed that the 31-year-old was driving too fast for the conditions before veering into the opposite lane of traffic and slamming head-on into the other vehicle.
The MARTA officer remained hospitalized in critical condition at last report. The accused driver apparently also had to be treated for a pulmonary contusion as well as a fractured leg. Two young passengers allegedly riding in the off-duty officer’s vehicle were also injured, though fortunately not in a life-threatening manner.
One positive factor in the accused man’s favor is the fact that police do not believe that alcohol or drugs were involved. However, the fact that he was allegedly driving while under a suspended driver’s license may make it worth entertaining a plea deal of some sort with Georgia officials. While this may not be the right choice for every person, in some cases it can lead to the most positive outcome possible given a certain set of circumstances and evidence.
Source: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, “Atlanta man charged in head-on collision that injured MARTA officer,” Alexis Stevens, June 7, 2013