A 29-year-old West Ashley man faces drunk driving charges after a hit-and-run accident on March 25. The accident occurred before 2 a.m. at Savannah Highway when the man drove a Kia Forte south until attempting to turn left into oncoming traffic at Arlington Drive.
A collision occurred when the passenger side of the Kia struck the right side of a tractor-tailor, and the Kia driver fled the scene on foot after the crash. The truck driver identified the man after an officer located the Kia driver behind a Hardee’s restaurant. The Kia driver’s face appeared bloody, and he was examined for injuries at Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital. A 27-year-old male passenger in the Kia was treated and released from a hospital on March 25.
The driver of the Kia submitted to a field sobriety test and reportedly swayed and lost his balance while attempting to stand on one foot. A police report also said that he went to the side three times instead of walking in a straight line. The man also admitted to drinking at his house and two local establishments, and samples of his blood and urine were taken at the hospital. The KIA driver has a previous DUI conviction outside of South Carolina, and he faces charges for driving under suspension, second-offense driving under the influence and leaving the scene with injuries.
Depending on the circumstances, an attorney could help one contest drunk driving charges. For example, field sobriety tests are not always reliable as someone who suffered injuries like a concussion in a crash could have trouble balancing or walking straight despite one’s blood alcohol concentration level.
Source: The Post and Courier, “West Ashley man faces DUI, hit-and-run charges in crash that injured friend,” Andrew Knapp, March 26, 2015
