Drunk Driver Causes Deadly Head-On Collision Near Austin Airport
According to Fox 7, a man faces drunk driving charges after causing a multiple-vehicle crash in Austin, Texas, that killed a 27-year-old man early morning on October 5th, 2023.
Tragic Accident Near Airport Highlights Dangers of Reckless Driving
A tragic accident occurred early Thursday morning on State Highway 71, claiming the life of one person and causing significant traffic disruptions. At approximately 4:44 a.m., a head-on collision involving three vehicles took place at the 1500 block of East SH 1 Westbound, near the intersection with Highway 183.
According to reports, 44-year-old Ruben Ysasi was driving west on State Highway 71 when his SUV crossed the eastbound traffic lane and collided head-on with another SUV driven by 27-year-old Austin K. Buckley. A third SUV, also traveling east, crashed into the rear of Buckley’s vehicle. Buckley was pronounced dead at the scene.
Ysasi has been charged with intoxication manslaughter and accident involving death, according to Fox 7.
The accident caused significant traffic disruptions in the area, particularly near Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. Hundreds of commuters were left stranded in horrendous traffic for several hours as authorities worked to clear the wreckage and investigate the incident.
Alcohol-impaired Driving Statistics
According to the Texas Department of Transportation in Texas alone, there were 636 people killed in head-on crashes in 2022. Additionally, 244,092 people were injured in motor vehicle traffic crashes in the state that year.
The cost of alcohol-related crashes totals more than $44 billion each year. In 2022, 1,163 people were killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes involving a driver under the influence of alcohol. This accounts for 25.95% of the total number of people killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes.
