This article below really accentuates how quickly bad accidents can happen resulting in serious injury or death. It starts with one driver who is not paying full attention to the road or is in a hurry and taking dangerous chances. Although we use the term “accident,” I always remind myself that there is really is no such thing. “Accidents” are almost always the result of making bad decisions, taking risks, and/or breaking safety rules. When you add DUI and a large commercial truck or tractor trailer to the mix, catastrophic loss can occur. In this instance, an intoxicated driver apparently lost control and struck a semi truck. Her mistake in judgement will cost her dearly this time. When you and your family are on the road, you have to assume the worst in other people’s driving. Give yourself plenty of room between your car and traffic. And always be looking for an “escape” or “exit” should an accident occur in front of you. Be Safe. Get Home.
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DUI Driver Critically Injured in Semi Truck Accident in Braselton, GA
BRASELTON, GA – A woman driving under the influence the wrong way on I-85 in Braselton, GA was critically injured after she crashed into two semi trucks and was ejected from her SUV on Friday, November 4, 2011.
Braselton is located in Barrow County, Gwinnett County, Hall County, and Jackson County, Georgia in the northeastern part of the state about 49 miles northeast of Atlanta.
The accident happened in Jackson County around 1:00 a.m. early Friday morning in the northbound lanes of I-85 near Highway 53 at Exit 129.
The driver of the SUV was identified as Linda Kay Corlew, 34 years old, from Buford, GA. Corlew attempted to drive southbound on the northbound lanes of the I-85 after entering the Interstate at Highway 53.
Corlew side-swiped the first 18 wheeler, then spun out of control and hit a Jeep Cherokee and a second tractor trailer. The SUV spun around again and then finally crashed into the front end of a Chevrolet van and was ejected from her Ford Explorer.
The Chevrolet van rolled over and landed on a cable guard rail. The accident also ruptured the fuel tank of the second big rig which caused a hazardous fuel spill. A Jackson County Hazmat team was called to the scene to contain the hazardous material spill. Fortunately no evacuations were ordered as a result of the spill.
Corlew was transported by ground ambulance to Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville where her condition was reported to be critical. The driver of the Chevrolet van plus a passenger from one of the semi trucks were also injured in the accident.
The driver of the Chevrolet van was identified as Shawn Olen McDowell, 30 years old, from Jefferson, GA. He was taken to Athens Regional Medical Center for treatment.
The northbound lanes of the Interstate were closed for about 4 hours while rescue crews, fire fighters, police and investigators worked the scene of the accident. Emergency responders were from the West Jackson Fire Department, the Georgia State Patrol, the Braselton Police Department, and Jackson County EMS. Traffic lanes on the Interstate were re-opened around 5:00 a.m.
Officials believe that alcohol was a factor in the accident. According to the Georgia State Patrol, Corlew was cited for a seat belt violation and charged with DUI as well as driving on the wrong side of the road.