A Chicago area auto accident has reportedly been caused by a motorist who was texting while simultaneously driving under the influence of drugs, according to the Orland Park Patch.
Illinois car accident lawyers from our office recently reported that research shows the use of a handheld cell phone while driving can delay the reaction time of a motorist to the equivalent of a drunk driver. So it would be fair to say that the combination of driving under the influence and texting would be considered especially dangerous.
Last week Orland Park police responded to report of a reckless driver in the area of 151st Street and 94th Ave. By the time police arrived at the location a crash had already occurred.
The defendant, a 19-year-old Orland Park resident, had allegedly ran a red light and hit a van in the intersection. A passenger in the defendant’s vehicle told investigating officers that when she failed to stop at the light she was texting.
The at fault driver then informed rescue personnel that she had taken methadone and Oxycontin before the accident.
Police charged the driver with DUI drugs and released her on a recognizance bond. She is due to appear at the Bridgeview courthouse in June.
After the accident the motorist was taken by ambulance to Silver Cross Hospital for medical attention. It was not reported if anyone else involved in the crash was injured.