Most Nebraska drivers, from time to time, have experienced a malfunction with one of their car’s features and have had to improvise in order to keep driving safely. Sometimes, a driver may not make the best choice under the circumstances, resulting in damage to the driver’s car, its occupants or other people or property in their path. Recently, a Nebraska man encountered this type of dilemma when his windshield wipers failed to work, but the incident ended with him being charged with drunk driving.
The 26-year-old man was driving on a Lincoln road late on a rainy Friday night when his car left the road and ran over a curb. The car then hit a tree in a residential yard, uprooting the tree, and the vehicle stopped when it slammed into a retaining wall. At that point, the driver left the scene, but was eventually found and arrested on several counts. Although the accident did not result in injury, reportedly the property sustained approximately $500 in damages.
According to the police report, the driver had a blood alcohol level of .137. However, the driver allegedly explained the crash using a movie reference, telling police he was forced to drive with his head out the window “Ace Ventura style” since his windshield wipers were defective. In the popular 1990s movie, the main character drives with his head out the window because of a smashed windshield.
Reportedly, this young man now faces several charges, including DUI, careless driving, leaving the scene of an accident, possession of drug paraphernalia and driving with a suspended licence. He is likely unfamiliar with the law and his legal rights and uncertain about his next move. Fortunately, those in Nebraska facing drunk driving or other criminal charges can consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney to help them understand the charges they are facing and advise them moving forward.
