Indiana Accident News

Drugs played role in one of five traffic fatalities in 2009

Posted on Dec 03, 2010

December 3, 2010

Espanola, New Mexico – Near-tragedy was averted in Espanola on November 24 when a man high on hallucinogenic mushrooms led a police pursuit that finally ended in his arrest.

The incident involving 20-year-old Adrian Maes highlights a disturbing trend that puts the safety of drivers in New Mexico and throughout the United States in jeopardy.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that one in five drivers killed in traffic crashes in 2009 tested positive for drugs, either legal or illegal. The presence of drugs in 18 percent of fatal crashes represents a marked increase from 2005, the NTSA reports, when it was found to be only 13 percent.

After Espanola officers observed Mr. Maes run a red light, he led them on a chase across the city that reached speeds of 60 mph. He was so high, according to reports, that Mr. Maes at one point challenged officers to chase him.

He struck a van on State Road 76, but continued to flee pursuing officers. When police finally blocked in his Chevrolet Cavalier, they were able to subdue Mr. Maes with pepper spray. He later admitted to consuming hallucinogenic mushrooms prior to the incident.

Although no one was hurt in the crash, the suspect’s erratic driving could have led to serious injury or even death for the people of Espanola. In all, the NTSA reports, nearly 4,000 of the 22,000 drivers killed last year were found to have drugs in their system.

The people of New Mexico are urged to avoid drug use when behind the wheel, if not for their own safety, then for that of their fellow drivers.

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