Heather Locklear Injured in Thousand Oaks Car Accident
I’m Ed Smith, a Thousand Oaks car accident lawyer. Heather Locklear, an alumnus of multiple television productions, was in an accident on September 14 in Thousand Oaks, close to her home. After an investigation of the incident, no criminal charges were brought against the actress.
Details of the Accident
The accident occurred shortly after 5:30 p.m. when Locklear drove her Porsche into a ditch, according to a representative of the police department in Thousand Oaks. The actress was transported to the Thousand Oaks Los Robles medical center with what officials described as minor injuries. At the time of this report, there is no word as to why the accident happened, however, an official with the sheriff’s office from Ventura County said there was no indication that alcohol or drugs was involved.
The single vehicle crash on County Valley Road ended in Locklear’s car descending six feet down an embankment after leaving the roadway. Locklear was alert after the accident and cooperative with authorities. Friday morning, the actress told her fans on Instagram that she had returned home and was fine, thanking them for all their good wishes.
Past Problems
The actress has a history of past problems with driving while impaired. On September 28, 2008, Locklear was taken into custody on a misdemeanor charge of driving under the influence with prescription drugs when a police officer saw her driving unpredictably after exiting a parking area in Montecito, according to the California Highway Patrol. On January 2, 2009, the actress pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of reckless driving, a lesser charge. She was fined $700, given three-years probation and ordered to take a 12-hour drug education course.
While on probation in 2010, she was charged with a hit and run due to leaving the scene of property destruction. An investigation in Ventura County revealed that she jumped the curb and hit a stop sign but concluded that no alcohol was involved. However, charges were dropped due to insufficient evidence that she was driving the vehicle. In 2012, the actress was taken to a hospital in Ventura County due to health problems associated with combining prescription drugs and alcohol.
Prescription Drug Use and Driving
Prescription drug use has increased in the past 10 years, and 50 percent of adults take at least one prescription drug. In fact, 31 percent take two prescription drugs and 11 percent take three or more medications. However, when questioned, 28 percent of motorists thought using prescription medications was not dangerous when driving. By comparison, driving and drinking alcohol was considered to be reckless by 68 percent. About 35 percent said they would take care not to drive when affected by prescription medications if they thought it would be detrimental to being behind the wheel.
Prescription and Over-The-Counter Drugs That Affect Driving
Certain prescription drugs may cause a greater chance of being involved in a crash. Antidepressants have been shown to raise the risk of being in an accident by about 41 percent. Benedryl, even that found in a single 25 mg dose, can mimic the effect of alcohol on a driver whose blood alcohol concentration exceeds the legal limit.
Overall, two of the most common drugs that are reported as being used by drugged drivers are opiates, usually used for pain, and benzodiazepines used for anxiety and sleeplessness. Prescription drugs account for 46.5 percent of all fatal crashes where drugs were used.
Thousand Oaks Car Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Thousand Oaks car accident lawyer. Drugged drivers, who negligently operate a motor vehicle, can be responsible for injuring other motorists. If you or a member of your family has suffered at the hands of a drugged driver, call me at (805) 372-0200. I will provide you with advice that is friendly and free. If you are outside the calling area, please use my (800) 404-5400 toll-free line.
Since 1982, my experienced legal team and I have protected the rights of California residents, including those in Thousand Oaks, who experienced traumatic injuries, brain injury or the wrongful death of a loved one.
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Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/en/technology-police-car-roof-2500010/
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