The scourge of golf cart drivers getting behind the wheel while intoxicated is showing no signs of slowing down despite the clear risk that it poses to our community.
At least two Villagers were arrested for driving golf carts under the influence in a matter of days, according to local news reports. Meanwhile, a local musician lost his license after being popped for DUI near Lake Sumter Landing.
The first golf cart driver, a 52-year-old man who lives on the Historic Side of The Villages, reportedly was arrested after he crashed his golf cart on Tarrson Boulevard in the Village of Silver Lake. The crash happened in April, but the man was not formally arrested and charged with DUI until September, Villages-News reports.
The man fled the scene of the accident and was later found by cops at his home, the local news outlet reports. He “was bleeding from his mouth, legs and arms,” Villages-News reports, citing a Lady Lake Police Department report. “He was slurring his words and unsteady on his feet. He claimed he ‘recently had tooth extractions’ and had been prescribed Hydrocodone.” He also said the brakes on the golf cart had failed, causing the collision.
The man was sent to a local hospital, where staff administered Narcan after finding that he “had ingested numerous drugs,” according to Villages-News.
The second golf cart driver, a 40-year-old who lives in Cherry Vale Villas, was arrested during a traffic stop near Cody’s Original Roadhouse. He was pulled over on Lake Shore Drive near Canal Street at Lake Sumter Landing after cutting into the lane of a police officer following behind the man, Villages-News reports.
The man reportedly told cops he had been drinking “quite a bit.” Breath samples showed that his blood alcohol content ranged up to 0.178%, more than twice the legal limit.
“A cooler was found on the passenger side of the golf cart,” Villages-News reports. “It contained a partially empty 750ml bottle of Espolon Tequila Blanco and two small empty bottles of Absolut Vodka.”
The man was charged with DUI and ticketed for driving with an open container of alcohol in the golf cart.
Finally, the local rocker lost his license for six months after pleading no contest to a DUI charge in Sumter County in late September. The 59-year-old man, who lives in the Bailey Ridge Villas, also was placed on probation for one year and ordered to perform 50 hours of community service.
The man was pulled over Feb. 28 after he failed to come to a complete stop at a stop sign. He later provided breath samples showing that his blood alcohol content was as high as 0.166%.
Drunk Driving Kills
More than 800 people are killed every year in Florida in vehicle accidents involving alcohol-impaired drivers, according to data from Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. That is not to mention the thousands of people injured in such crashes annually.
In the tragic case that a person dies in a golf cart crash or car accident, his or her family members have the right to pursue a wrongful death case. No amount of money will replace your loved one, but compensation can help ease the financial burden that often comes with losing a family member. A wrongful death case will also give you the power to ensure that those responsible for the crash are made fully accountable.
You do not need to go it alone. An experienced Villages wrongful death attorney at our firm can help you understand your rights, take action against those responsible for the crash and maximize your compensation.
Speak With a Villages Wrongful Death Attorney
Villages wrongful death attorney Tim Babiarz has been fighting for people and families across the community for more than two decades.
Our office is conveniently located in the Villages. We are also proud to represent clients throughout the area, including in Ocala, Leesburg, Lady Lake, Wildwood, Summerfield and beyond. Call (352) 205-7559 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with a Villages wrongful death attorney.
