This MLK, Jr. holiday marks a somber occasion for at least two Triad families. Tamika Burns and Coy Clifford White were both killed in separate collisions involving drunk drivers this Monday.
Ms. Burns was killed in a head-on collision on Green Drive around 6:00 am. The other driver, Brandon Black whose vehicle reportedly drifted across the center line, was charged with DWI. Four other passengers were also injured in the accident. Their conditions are unknown at this time.
Mr. White was a 78 year old Surry County resident. Police say he was hit head-on by Jason Clark on Highway 268 the same night. Clark was not injured and was charged with DWI, felony death by motor vehicle, and hit-and-run.
Both of these tragic deaths remind us how important it is to stay off the road when drunk. Time and again, the price paid for this irresponsible and careless behavior is the life an innocent victim rather than the guilty party. The drunk driver lives to drive another day, leaving another family devastated by their callousness.
It almost seems that there is no getting through to people who drive drunk. No law or horror story seems to be able to keep them off the road or, at least, in the back seat of a taxi cab. So, I remind you all that accidents can happen at any time. No matter how attentive you may be, no matter how responsible. Please, take caution whenever you head out on the road.
Holidays are often marred with extra dangers caused by drunk drivers. The police try to have a stronger presence at these times, but you can never be too cautious.
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