Clarksburg, WV — Cherish Whaley died in an alleged DUI crash in Clarksburg, West Virginia, on Monday, August 3, 2015. The accident took place on Philippi Pike.
Police say that John Jenkins was traveling along Philippi Pike when he crossed over into oncoming traffic and crashed his Ford Explorer into a Honda CRV. The Honda was being driven by 26-year-old Cherish Whaley, who died in the accident.
Police drew Jenkins’ blood following the crash, and found that he had a BAC of .226, which is nearly three times the legal limit of .08. Police say that Jenkins had been speeding, and was slurring his speech when questioned.
Jenkins was charged with DUI causing death, and could possibly be facing 3-15 years in prison.
The accident is still being investigated.
Scene of the Accident
View from the Road
Commentary
It looks like the driver involved in this accident had had quite a bit to drink, so I don’t see how anyone talking to him wouldn’t have been able to tell that he had been drinking. It’s important to find out whether or not he had been drinking at a bar before the crash. Lawmakers in West Virginia have forbidden bars from serving customers who are visibly intoxicated. The reason being, the more alcohol one consumes, the greater chance they have of going and getting into an accident. If a bar chooses to ignore this, they can be held liable for any accident their over-served customer goes out and causes. Unfortunately, too many bars feel that their responsibility to their customers doesn’t extent past their front door. They’re mistaken, and they need to be held accountable when they serve someone irresponsibly.
— Grossman Law Offices
