In Massachusetts, Denise Egerton, a 41-year-old Milton mother, was arrested and charged with operating under the influence of alcohol, driving without a license, and speeding. Egerton had been driving the car that collided with a van in Dorchester on Friday, close to the intersection of Woodrow and Blue Hill Avenues. The van was thrown airborne before overturning and than van’s driver was taken to the hospital.
Egerton told police that the van had tried crossing in front of her car to make a left turn. Witnesses accuse Egerton of speeding.
At the accident scene, police had Egerton take a field sobriety test, which she did not pass. Her two children, ages 1 and 4, were in the car with her when the crash happened. They were taken to Boston Medical Center after the crash and later placed in the care of the Department of Social Service.
Field Sobriety Tests
Field sobriety tests can be administered at the scene to determine whether a driver has been driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Kinds of Field Sobriety Tests Include:
• Touching one’s nose with a finger • Walking a straight line • Counting while standing on one foot
• Reciting the alphabet
In many cases, the results of a field sobriety test is among the primary evidence used to charge a driver with OUI. It is important to note, however, that these tests do not always accurately reflect whether someone was driving drunk. Overweight people and people with leg problems or balance problems may experience difficulty passing these tests when they are sober.
Mother arrested after collision with van, Boston.com, August 16, 2008
Related Web Resources:
DUI and DWI, DMV.org
If you have been charged with drunk driving in Massachusetts, an experienced Boston OUI lawyer will know how to defend you and secure the best outcome possible for your case. Contact Altman & Altman LLP today.