An Oregon man is facing charges after he fainted behind the wheel, causing a serious car crash. Three vehicles were involved in the car crash, and the 19-year-old driver apparently admitted to officers on the scene that he was intentionally holding his breath while driving through the tunnel. After he fainted, his vehicle veered into another lane and collided with two other vehicles.
None of the drivers or passengers suffered life-threatening injuries, but four of the people involved received medical treatment at a hospital. Local Oregon law enforcement who responded to the scene noted that they were not certain why the young driver was holding his breath. Some people willingly hold their breath while driving through tunnels because of superstition or a game.
Police have said that they do not think that drugs or alcohol played a role in the accident. However, if it can be determined that the driver intentionally held his breath because of a game or other frivolous reason, accident victims may choose to proceed with personal injury claims. The driver has officially been charged with reckless endangerment, assault and reckless driving.
Drivers have the responsibility to be safe and cautious behind the wheel. Negligence comes in many forms and could include the behavior apparently displayed by this driver. The preliminary evidence suggests that the car crash was directly caused by his decision to hold his breath, and it may be possible to prove that he should be held liable for any financial damages accrued. Victims who have incurred medical expenses and other financial losses associated with the car crash could be eligible to achieve a monetary judgment in an Oregon civil courtroom.
Source: People, “19-Year-Old Man Holding Breath in Oregon Tunnel Causes 3-Car Crash“, , May 27, 2014
