Maggie Davidson Killed in Accident in Lubbock, TX
Lubbock, TX -- A suspected alcohol related collision in the area of Lubbock, TX left 30-year-old Maggie Davidson dead Saturday, February 25, 2017.
The incident took place at 34th Street and Indiana Avenue around 2:40 a.m.
According to police reports, a vehicle occupied by the victim was passing through a green light while headed west on 34th. As she was passing through the intersection, her vehicle was struck by a vehicle headed north on Indiana Avenue. The SUV that struck the victim's vehicle was reportedly operated by 32-year-old Shani Nichols.
Ms. Davidson was killed at the scene of the incident.
The exact cause of the incident had not been determined at the time of the report, but police say they believe alcohol was a factor.
Ms.Nichols has since been charged with Intoxication Manslaughter related to the incident.
The official investigation is currently underway.
map of the area
Commentary
Frankly, it's remarkable to hear of all the drunk driving accidents that take place in Lubbock, TX. Read the local news regularly, and you are subjected to another story of someone's loved one dying as a result of this foolishness. In fact, the brother of one of the attorney's at our firm is a Lubbock police officer, and any conversation with him about his job is filled with tales of another drunk driving accident where someone tragically lost their life.
I know for some in the general public this seems like nonsense. Maybe you're left thinking, "That town seems way too small to have such a high number of drunk driving accidents." I understand how this would seem true. Lubbock isn't exactly a sprawling metropolis. But, what it lacks in population density, it more than makes up for in the number of college students who claim Lubbock as home. This is the home of Texas Tech, after all.
As anyone who attended college knows, the tendency is for students free from their nests for the first time is to sow their oats. This kind of environment makes for the perfect storm. Take a young student, give them their first taste of "freedom," and set them loose on the world without too many bills eating away at their disposable income and you have a recipe for disaster. Visit any college town and you can guarantee the bars will always be full. Opening a bar in a college town seems like the ultimate business venture.
There's one problem here: over-service. Without a doubt, these young folks are ultimately responsible for their behavior. However, according to Texas state law, bars have a duty to responsibly serve these revelers. Thanks to what is known as dram shop law, bars in Texas are required to recognize when someone is too intoxicated to take on that next round of shots.
Unfortunately, bars in college towns aren't exactly known for cutting off their patrons when they are well past the point of inebriation. More often than not, college students are plied with drinks served by establishments who are fully aware of the fact these students have deep pockets, and the drive to party with what seems like little consequence. But, from the proliferation of drunk driving accidents we read about daily, there is a consequence, and it often ends in tragedy.
The only way this problem is going away any time soon is if we encourage bars to live up to their word and cut off irresponsible behaviors. Holding the bars' feet to the fire, means that victims have the ability to make the cost of breaking the rules greater than the benefits. In essence, victims can take the profit out of unlawful alcohol service.
--Grossman Law Offices