DUI Arrest After Vehicle Stranded on Railroad Tracks in Austell, Georgia

Modified Date: 
Mon, 01/20/2025 - 9:07am
Accident Date: 
Sunday, January 19, 2025

Driver arrested for DUI after getting stuck on train tracks in Austell

Following an investigation, the driver was found to be under the influence of alcohol, with a blood alcohol level more than three times the legal limit.

 

On Saturday, January 19, 2024, at approximately 9:11 p.m., a potentially dangerous situation unfolded in Austell when a driver became stranded on active railroad tracks at the intersection of Veterans Memorial Highway and Spring Street. Officers from Team 3 of the Austell Police Department responded promptly to the scene, where they discovered a white vehicle immobilized on the tracks. Upon investigation, law enforcement determined the driver was severely impaired, with blood alcohol content measuring more than triple the legal limit of 0.08%. The quick response of local law enforcement prevented what could have been a catastrophic collision with any oncoming trains. The driver was taken into custody and transported to Cobb County Jail for processing. Fortunately, the incident was resolved without any injuries, and no other motorists were impacted by the situation.

Location and Infrastructure

The intersection of Veterans Memorial Highway and Spring Street in Austell is a crucial junction in western Cobb County, located approximately 15 miles northwest of downtown Atlanta. This area features an at-grade railroad crossing that serves both freight and passenger trains on a regularly active rail line. The crossing is equipped with standard safety features including crossing gates, warning lights, and audible signals. Veterans Memorial Highway (US 78/278) is a major east-west corridor through Austell, connecting Douglas County to Cobb County and carrying significant daily traffic. The location's proximity to downtown Austell and various commercial establishments makes it a frequently traversed crossing point.

Legal Rights and Considerations

In Georgia, driving under the influence (DUI) is governed by O.C.G.A. § 40-6-391, with severe penalties for blood alcohol levels exceeding 0.08%. First-time offenders face potential jail time of up to 12 months, fines ranging from $300 to $1,000, and mandatory license suspension. Additional charges may apply when vehicles are stranded on railroad tracks, as this violates both state law and federal railroad safety regulations. Victims affected by DUI incidents have two years under Georgia's statute of limitations to file personal injury claims. Compensation may cover property damage, medical expenses, lost wages, and non-economic damages. Insurance claims typically involve both the at-fault driver's liability coverage and potentially the victim's uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. An experienced Austell DUI accident lawyer will handle all aspects of the legal claim.

 

Related Resources

  • Emergency Services:
    • Austell Police Department: (770) 944-4320
    • Cobb County Emergency Services: 911
    • Norfolk Southern Police (Railroad Emergencies): 1-800-453-2530
  • Traffic Safety Resources:
    • Georgia Governor's Office of Highway Safety
    • Cobb County DOT Traffic Management Center
    • Operation Lifesaver Georgia (Railroad Safety)
  • Support Services:
    • Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Georgia Chapter
    • Georgia Crime Victims Compensation Program
    • Cobb County Victim Witness Assistance Program
  • Legal References:
    • Georgia Driver's Manual
    • Georgia Code Title 40 (Motor Vehicles and Traffic)
    • Federal Railroad Administration Safety Regulations