You’d think that disabled motorists could just get away with a slap to the wrist if they commit serious road offenses -- simply because they are disabled. Well, this is a big "NO." Naivety is not a legal excuse either.

In reality, such behavior is a form of neglect that is not tolerated by local traffic enforcers. After all, driving while either disabled or impaired or distracted is among the biggest reasons for car accidents in the U.S. Often, victims are left with fatal injuries.

One related case is going to trial. A 58-year-old man is facing serious charges for the death of a 64-year-old woman last year. The accident occurred less than an hour northwest of Pittsburgh, in nearby Leechburg, Armstrong County.

According to court documents, the man was a registered person with disability and legally blind at the time of the accident. Despite advice from the man’s physician to discourage him from driving, the man operated the vehicle anyway that struck the woman, a local librarian, who later died in the hospital.

Police weren’t pleased citing the fact that the man knew his eyesight did not meet state standards. The man, a construction worker, has a degenerative eye condition currently being treated.

He is charged with felony including a count of vehicular homicide and aggravated assault; involuntary manslaughter; two counts of simple assault; careless driving; and reckless driving that caused unintentional wrongful death.

As a penalty, he is liable for fines, and suspension of his driving privileges. He could also qualify for a minimum jail sentence provided he had prior convictions on similar charges or of DUI.

Local authorities do not condone reckless driving of any kind. Whether it is due to alcohol or failing eyesight, those that operate their vehicles should do so at their own peril. Officer will arrest and charge anyone who runs the risk of causing serious accidents as well as those who actually committed such.

About The Author

Victor Dela Casa is a Filipino-Canadian who spent over a decade working as a business professional in Canada. Worked in IT, finance, marketing, international trade, public service, project management and the maritime industry. Earned degree in Economics from the University of the Philippines and Business Administration Honours from Eastern College. Currently based in the Philippines and working as a professional writer for a multi-national business processes firm.

keywords: fatal accidents, reckless driving, disabled motorists