2 Cars Collide Head-On; Both Drivers Drunk at Time

Two men who were reportedly drunk drove head-on into each other early Sunday morning in Beloit, Wisconsin.

According to authorities, a 17-year-old's car crossed into an oncoming lane on Highway 51 and hit a vehicle driven by Joshua Krueger, 35. Both drivers had to be transported by Med-flight to a hospital.

Krueger, who was arrested for his reported second drunk driving offense, was listed in critical condition, while the male teen was listed in serious condition.

The teen was charged with drunken driving and causing injury.

IIABNY Backs Governor Drunk Driving Bill

New York Gov. David Paterson recently vetoed a bill that would have extended no-fault insurance benefits to drunk drivers, and the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of New York Inc. applauds the governor’s action.

The legislation, S.8294-A, would have repealed the state’s so-called Alcohol Exclusion law, which permits insurance companies to deny coverage to motorists driving intoxicated or under the influence. Two previous proposals met a similar fate.

IIABNY recommended Paterson veto the measure because of the cost increase to motorists resulting from this legislation. Currently, New York’s basic no-fault coverage does not apply to “any person as a result of operating a motor vehicle while in an intoxicated condition.” However, coverage includes medical expenses incurred by passengers of DWI violators and their victims.

IIABNY Chair Neal Sullivan views Paterson’s veto as a victory for law-abiding citizens. “Motorists who choose to obey the law should not have to pay for this unacceptable behavior. Governor Paterson’s veto sends a clear message that New York does not tolerate drunk driving.” Sullivan points out that other forms of coverage, such as a drunk driver’s health insurance, would cover their individual medical costs.

Illegal Drunk Driver Kills Another Illegal on Porch

Authorities in Littleton, Colorado said a man standing with his family on his front porch was struck and killed Sunday evening by an unlicensed illegal immigrant who was drunk at the time.

Police say the 22-year-old drunken driver, Adrian Pizana Rodriguez, lost control of his Ford Explorer, hit a pair of parked cars, and then drove onto a front porch area of an apartment building where several people were standing.

Killed in the incident was a 41-year-old man, who it also reportedly turns out was in this country illegally. Three other individuals were injured in the crash.

The apartment building suffered partial damage, though a city building inspector reported that the building was sound.