‘Tis the season to be jolly, not the season to be tragic
Acura automobiles are a pleasure to ride; and the Acura Integra is a prime example of this. Its easy-breezy feel is cozy, especially this Christmas season; but time and time again we are shown that we must handle such pleasures responsibly and not let ourselves get carried away by them. Just yesterday, a news article from Star Exponent.com told a story about two young illegal immigrants in America, for whom Christmas presents came early last Sunday, December 23 - in the form of second chances. It echoed a rule that people do not take seriously until it’s too late: Never drink and drive.
In the article, Trooper K.B. Highland claimed that Aaron Ortega-Marquez and Fernando Marquez-Ortega were drunk driving in their 1990 Acura Integra at speeds between 80 to 85 mph northbound along U.S. 29 until they crashed onto a tree.
Highland said that the 26-year-old Ortega-Marquez overcorrected his car after veering off to the left side of the road, thereby causing the vehicle to run off to the right and hit a tree. Highland stated that initial breath samples taken from the 22-year-old passenger, Marquez-Ortega, revealed his blood-alcohol level was three times the legal limit.
Ironically enough, the immigrants’ apparent ignorance of safety rules seems to be the reason why they are still alive: both were ejected out of their seats as the driver did not wear his seatbelt, whereas the passenger only wore a shoulder harness.
Credit it to sheer luck, Christmas miracles, or perhaps even to the Integra itself, but both young men are still alive, albeit greatly injured. The driver was brought to Inova Fairfax Hospital in critical condition, whereas the passenger was brought to University of Virginia Medical Center in serious condition. Both hospitals have yet to release an update on the condition of their patients.
All of this goes to show that even if a car is loaded with safety features, we must never forget that the biggest safety feature there is is our brains. So think about it: If you have to drive, do not drink. If you have to drink, go with your friendly designated driver, or take a cab. After all, ’tis the season to be jolly, not the season to be tragic.
Source: Star Exponent.com