Tampa, FLA. – A man accused of driving under the influence caused a major pile-up on Interstate 275 in St. Petersburg, just outside of Tampa, Florida in which one driver was killed.

The drunk driver was operating a vehicle with a revoked license when the crash occurred on Thursday, December 17th.

The drunk driver will likely face charges of DUI manslaughter and driving with a revoked license causing death which will carry a minimum sentence of four years and a maximum sentence of fifteen years if convicted, according to Florida Statutes Section 316.193.

The accident took place around 6:15 p.m. near the exit onto Gandy Boulevard and backed up traffic for a few hours.

The other 4 drivers were stopped in traffic at the time of the accident. The traffic was backed up to the exit as cars waited patiently for traffic to begin moving again.

The accused driver did not stop as he approached the standstill traffic and he struck the 2 vehicles in question which collided with 2 other vehicles in the surrounding lanes.

The scene of the accident is horrific and illustrates the kind of damage that a bad decision can cause.

Unfortunately, the holiday season is the most dangerous time to be out on the road. Not only are driving conditions worsened by weather, but the number of DUIs and DUI-related car accidents also increases.

More than 300 people die in drunk driving accidents in the week leading up to Christmas every year (since 2015). [1]

Police will increase patrols and be on the lookout for drivers who may be drunk or otherwise impaired.

We beg drivers to be cautious and avoid getting a DUI this holiday season. Your decision may save a life, even if it’s your own. If you were the passenger in a DUI-related accident, or you were injured by another driver, speak with our Tampa car accident lawyers today (813) 553-5352.

Sources:

[1]: https://www.transportation.gov/www.transportation.gov/TransportationTuesday/holiday-drunk-driving-facts