Dallas Motorcycle Officer Killed by Drunk Driver During Funeral Escort
A Dallas police officer was fatally injured Saturday morning while assisting with a funeral procession for another officer.
WFAA reports that 32-year Dallas PD veteran Senior Corporal Earl Jamie Givens was blocking an entrance ramp along eastbound I-20 when he was struck by a Kia SUV shortly before 6 AM.
Officer Givens' motorcycle was parked at the ramp with emergency lights on. Police say the driver of the Kia crashed into a concrete barrier after striking Officer Givens, and remained at the scene afterward. He reportedly blew a .19 during a breathalyzer test, which is more than twice the legal limit of .08.
Officer Givens was transported to a hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.
Granted the driver in this case is suspected of being intoxicated, it's still important to remember that it is customary to slow down or stop to allow funeral processions to safely pass by. Many are escorted by police, some of whom ride motorcycles, so it's important to keep an eye out for them and give them plenty of space. If the procession is long and there is space for you to safely pass or cut through at an intersection, officers will direct you.
According to claimsjournal.com, a website specializing in information about state insurance requirements and statistics, Texas does not have a statewide law governing procession practices. However, courts can and often will consider custom when dealing with cases involving collisions during processions.
TEXAS: There is no state law governing funeral processions, however, Texas courts recognize the tradition of vehicles stopping to allow a funeral procession to pass through an intersection. A driver that collides with a vehicle in a funeral possession may be liable if the procession was going through an intersection was noticeable. Southwestern Bell Tel. Co. v. Davis, 528 S.W.2d 191 (Tex. Civ. App. 1979). - claimsjournal.com