Updating a blog post we brought you in May 2013, the former bassist of the popular rock band 3 Doors Down has been sentenced to prison following an intoxicated driving accident that killed a man near Nashville.
According to the Tennessean, Robert “Todd” Harrell has been sentenced to two years in prison. Harrell was reportedly driving down Interstate 40 in 2013, near Hermitage, when he clipped a pickup truck being driven by a 47-year-old victim.
An investigation determined that Harrell was driving at a speed of 101 mph, and had alprazolam and oxycodone in his system when the crash took place. Even after the incident, as Harrell was awaiting trial, he was arrested again for driving while under the influence of drugs.
During sentencing, Harrell said that he started using drugs to relieve pain in his neck and knees, caused by playing in the band and youth football. He said he is an addict and has attempted rehabilitation four times.
Harrell’s sentence could be reduced with good behavior. After his release from prison, while on probation, he must also go to area schools and speak about drug addiction.
In total, he has been convicted of vehicular homicide and introducing contraband to a penal institution, three counts of possession of a controlled substance and violating Tennessee’s implied consent law.
THE DANGERS OF DRUGGED DRIVING
Just as driving under the influence of alcohol in dangerous, so too is driving under the influence of narcotics like prescription medications. Along with drunk driving, drugged driving is becoming an increasing problem in the country.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that one in eight American drivers at night, on the weekend, would test positive for illicit drugs if examined by authorities. This is unacceptable. Drugs and alcohol can greatly impact a driver’s judgment, motor skills, perception and memory, leading to violent car accidents. Talk to your doctor about the effects a specific medication can have on your ability to drive.
If you have been harmed by a drunk or drugged driver, talk to a Nashville injury attorney about holding the driver liable for his or her actions.
Have a safe New Year! Avoid reckless driving!
“This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalms 118:24