Drag racing on Chicago's streets is dangerous enough while sober. But a two-car crash during a race along the Eisenhower Expy. last Sunday proved absolutely fatal, as reported by the Chicago Sun-Times.
Edward Dixon, the 28-year-old driver of the 2004 Chevrolet Impala, was charged with a DUI. He and a backseat passenger suffered non-life-threatening injuries; but 28-year-old front-seat passenger Maurice A. Horton was killed after being partially ejected from the car after the driver lost control.
The driver's Chicago DUI lawyer no doubt will explain to his or her client the seriousness of a DUI charge resulting in death. Illinois law imposes particularly stiff penalties for fatal DUIs that usually include jail time, according to FindLaw.
An earlier report of the deadly crash in the Sun-Times includes a picture of the crushed Impala, which reportedly flipped several times after Edward Dixon lost control. None of the three people in the vehicle were wearing seatbelts at the time of the incident, according to Illinois State Police District Chicago Master Sgt. Jeff Grendzinski.
Police are still looking for the other vehicle that was racing at the time of the crash, or anyone who witnessed the incident. State Police are asking any potential witnesses to please call (847) 294-4400.
As if drag racing while under the influence of alcohol wasn't enough, not wearing a seatbelt just made the situation that much more dangerous; as the passenger who was partially ejected and killed likely would still be alive if he had buckled up.
As with all criminal charges, including DUI, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Although the article does not say exactly how police collected evidence that Edward Dixon was intoxicated (likely a breathalyzer), his Chicago DUI attorney should be able to help him get the most favorable outcome possible -- even if he's convicted.
Related Resources:
- DUI - Plea Bargains (FindLaw)
- Contact an Illinois DUI Lawyer (FindLaw)
- Teen Driver Gets Jail Time for Fatal DWI & Facebook Photo (FindLaw's Blotter Blog)
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