Flashing lights are often used as a signal to Colorado drivers. In some cases they indicate road work ahead; in other cases they indicate that a driver needs to pull over. These lights offer a warning for drivers to proceed with caution and to watch out for danger in the vicinity of the flashing lights. When a driver does not heed this warning, law enforcement officers may suspect a potential DUI/DUID/DWAI.
Recently, one driver apparently ignored the warning indicated by such lights. During the early morning hours, police were investigating an accident. As a warning to other drivers, these officers blocked the accident site using their police vehicles and activated their flashing lights. Their intent was to protect the individuals involved in the accident as well as the investigation.
Rather than slow down as he passed the accident, one driver ignored the flashing lights and plowed into the rear of one of the police vehicles. This caused extensive damage to both the vehicle he was driving and the police vehicle. Officers then questioned the driver and arrested him on charges of DUI/DUID/DWAI.
While flashing lights may indicate warning, they are not always easy to see. Sometimes their placement or weather conditions prevent them from being easily detected. Additionally, there are times when a Colorado driver is otherwise distracted and may not pay as much attention to his surroundings as he should. These conditions do not mean that he is guilty of DUI/DUID/DWAI; however, many times when an accident of this nature occurs, that is the assumption officers will make. When this happens, the driver will want experienced legal counsel to offer guidance when answering to these charges.
Source: fox21news.com, “Suspected drunk driver arrested after crashing into police cruiser“, Alexa Mae Asperin, Feb. 18, 2017