In Georgia, a whopping 24% of all motor vehicle fatalities have alcohol to blame in the accident. In 2016, there were 1,554 fatal car accidents on Georgia roadways. Of those, 368 had an impaired driver involved. This is only slightly lower than the national average of 28% of crashes for that year. Of the 37,461 fatal crashes reported nationally, 10,497 of those involved alcohol. The Atlanta Journal and Constitution reports on a driver involved in a deadly hit-and-run that has also been charged with DUI.
The crash occurred on Monday, June 4th on Old National Highway at about 11:40 p.m.
20-year-old Demonte Franklin was struck by a vehicle that did not stop to render aid at the intersection of Old National Highway and Jerome Road.
Witnesses helped police to track down Laron Anderson, the driver, after the deadly crash.
Anderson, who is from Atlanta, was arrested on charges of homicide by vehicle in the first degree, driving under the influence, possession of a schedule 4 controlled substance, and leaving the scene of an accident. He is also facing lesser charges of driving on a suspended license, improper turn.
Anderson has three active warrants for other traffic infractions.
This was the second of two deadly hit-and-run accidents in a 24-hour span in Atlanta.
Late Sunday night, a man was struck by a car while he was attempting to cross Rockbridge Road in Dekalb County. No one is in custody in that case.
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