Priscilla Juarez Killed, Two Injured in Austin, TX Car Accident on FM 973
UPDATE (July 28, 2022): Authorities have identified the victim of this accident as Priscilla Juarez. The driver that hit her vehicle was also identified as Randall Cavazos.
Austin, TX — July 27, 2022, one person died and two were injured in a two-vehicle crash on Farm to Market Road 973 in southeast Austin.
According to reports the incident happened just before midnight along FM 973 at Elroy Road. Preliminary investigation suggests that a Dodge vehicle ran a red light and crashed into a Chevrolet SUV, causing it to overturn.
A short time later responders confirmed that one person was dead at the scene. Two other people were taken to an area hospital; one had life-threatening injuries and the other had potentially serious injuries. All injured parties were reportedly riding in the SUV when it crashed.
Police arrested the dodge driver for possible DWI. Later reports indicate charges of intoxication manslaughter and intoxication assault may have been added.
No further information is available at this time.
Commentary on Priscilla Juarez Accident on FM 973 in Austin
It's always concerning when investigators mention that intoxication may have played a role in a crash. It's important to look into that further for a number of reasons: Obviously it's dangerous for anyone to drive drunk, but beyond that a local business like a bar or nightclub may have over-served the suspect. That would be a violation of dram shop law, which says any business that illegally over-serves its customers may be liable for the damage those customers cause while under the influence.
Dram shop law was created to ensure alcohol providers who continue to serve obviously intoxicated patrons face appropriate consequences. Not every DWI incident starts with a dram violation, but they're more common than many people think and they should be dealt with as soon as possible in case a bar is recklessly endangering its community.
One way or another, getting folks the help they need requires having all the facts. After this accident that means confirming (or disproving) that the suspect was intoxicated with blood tests, and if they were then finding out where her alcohol came from. Any further steps to take would depend mostly on what's found out during a careful and thorough investigation.
