Drugged Driver Arrested for Fatal Hit-and-Run

Police arrested the drugged driver who struck and killed a motorcyclist last week. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP) 56-year-old Dawn Fleck of Palm Desert was driving under the influence when she crashed into the motorcyclist, then fled the scene last Friday. The crash occurred on eastbound I-10 near Bob Hope Drive at about 7:45 a.m.

Police say the motorcyclist, identified as 41-year-old Robert Prudholme of Compton, was heading east on I-10 when he slowed down significantly. Fleck was driving behind him in a Chrysler PT Cruiser and failed to slow down. She then struck the motorcycle and fled the scene.

Prudholme died shortly after arriving at Desert Regional Medical Center. A witness tipped off police to Fleck’s location. They found and arrested the drugged driver about 20 minutes after the crash.

She is charged with murder, vehicular manslaughter, DUI, hit-and-run, and driving on a suspended license. This is not Fleck’s first DUI incident. In 2013, she was arrested for driving under the influence and causing a collision.

Drugged Driver had Previous DUI Arrest

Although it might seem surprising that a convicted DUI offender was able to get back behind the wheel to commit this fatal hit-and-run, this pattern is all too common. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), about one-third of drivers who are arrested or convicted of DUI have done it before.

Why is DUI Recidivism so Common?

Research shows that repeat DUI offenses are often linked to problems beyond the obvious decision to drive under the influence. Repeat offenders are more likely to have psychiatric issues, like bipolar disorder or depression. Most are also alcohol abusers or alcohol dependent.

How can Repeat DUIs be Prevented?

Unfortunately, simply suspending a drunk driver’s license is not always enough to keep them from committing another DUI. However, ignition interlock devices have been proven to be very effective in preventing DUI recidivism. Since 2010, devices that keep a vehicle from starting if the driver has a blood alcohol content (BAC) higher than .08 have prevent 1.77 million drunk driving attempts.

Four counties in California currently require ignition interlocks for convicted drunk drivers. The program goes into effect statewide in January 2019.

“Our condolences go out to the victim’s friends and family. We hope a jury will ensure this repeat DUI offender does not get another chance to get behind the wheel and hurt someone else,” said Attorney Walter Clark, founder of Walter Clark Legal Group.

Our firm has been handling personal injury cases throughout the California Low Desert and High Desert communities for over 30 years. With a 95% success rate, the California personal injury attorneys at Walter Clark Legal Group will fight to hold those responsible for your loss accountable and win compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident and want to discuss your legal options, contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. We have offices in Indio, Rancho Mirage, Victorville, and Yucca Valley and represent clients through the entire California Low Desert and High Desert communities.

DISCLAIMER: The Walter Clark Legal Group blog is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal or medical advice. References to laws are based on general legal practices and vary by location. Information reported comes from secondary news sources. We do handle these types of cases, but whether or not the individuals and/or loved ones involved in these accidents choose to be represented by a law firm is a personal choice we respect. Should you find any of the information incorrect, we welcome you to contact us with corrections.

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