A local man is in custody after state troopers resorted to ramming his vehicle to stop him from escaping toward the highway. The officers responded to reports of Donovan Rasmussen behaving erratically, and when police attempted to question him, he tried to flee, reports KCRG.
Rasmussen crashed his vehicle into a trooper’s vehicle in his attempt to get away. Upon closer investigation, the officers believe he may have been under the influence of drugs. Rasmussen now faces a long string of charges including assaulting a police officer, possession of a controlled substance, and driving while license denied or revoked.
Although stories about drunk drivers often populate the media headlines, the number of people who drive while drugged is rising. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration warns that 18 percent of all fatally injured drivers in 2009 were under the influence of some form of controlled substance.
If you were hurt in a crash with a drugged, drunk or otherwise negligent driver, contact Eells & Tronvold Law Offices, PLC. An accident lawyer in Cedar Rapids will help you claim compensation for lost income, health-care bills and other damages.
Call 319-393-1020 to schedule a free consultation. You can also visit USAttorneys.com to learn more about car accident injury lawsuits in Iowa.
How Methamphetamines Impair a Person’s Ability to Drive
The U.S. National Library of Medicine published the results of a study that examined the causes of 28 methamphetamine-related accidents. The drugged drivers in these cases were either arrested or killed.
In most cases, the drugged driver was determined to be culpable for the accident. Law enforcement officers involved in these cases reported that the drugged drivers showed several signs of impairment including:
- Rapid heartbeat;
- Confused speech;
- Paranoia;
- Aggressive behavior; and
- Dilated pupils.
How to Spot a Drugged Driver
Most drivers behave responsibly behind the wheel, but no matter how diligent you are, you cannot control the actions of other motorists. Far too many people choose to consume alcohol or take drugs before driving – and other road users suffer the consequences.
Although you cannot control whether another person drives under the influence, you may be able to avoid an accident by watching out for impaired drivers. You should keep your distance if you notice a motorist:
- Accelerating or braking without cause;
- Tailgating;
- Swerving;
- Driving on the curb or in bicycle lanes;
- Coming close to striking an object in the road;
- Signaling for a long time without turning;
- Driving at night with the headlights switched off; or
- Driving well under or over the speed limit.
If you were injured by a negligent driver in Iowa, contact a Cedar Rapids personal-injury attorney from Eells & Tronvold Law Offices, PLC. Our legal team will help you fight for the maximum settlement, and if your case goes to trial, we have the litigation experience to represent your interests in court. Call 319-393-1020 to schedule a free consultation.