Construction work is done at night in the area for many reasons – it helps the workers avoid the dangerous heat and keeps traffic congestion to a minimum, just to name two – but that certainly doesn’t mean that the danger encountered by road construction crews is avoided. That notion was tragically reinforced recently when a man who was working road construction was hit and killed by a suspected drunk driver.

According to the Sacramento Bee:

“Placencia, 49, was working in a construction zone in the Arden Arcade area of Sacramento County just after 1 a.m. Thursday when a driver struck and killed him, according to California Highway Patrol officials.

Nancy E. Richards, 26, of Sacramento, was driving 70mph when she veered into the construction zone at the intersection of Marconi and Howe avenues and hit Placencia, authorities said.

Richards also died in the crash.

Quintero said an alcohol odor was detected on Richards, but investigators are waiting for a toxicology report to determine if she was driving drunk.

Placencia’s family grieved for a man they said was a loving husband and father, caring brother, dedicated worker and devout Catholic.”

Once again, this seems to have been a completely unnecessary tragedy. Drinking and driving seems to be an issue that will always be prevalent in American society regardless of the tough laws that are passed. This also creates a potentially complicated legal situation for the family of the worker that was killed, as the person who led to his death is no longer alive to answer to her conduct.

If you or someone you love has been injured by a drunk driver, contact the Sacramento auto accident attorneys at Demas & Rosenthal today to schedule a free initial consultation. The firm has been fighting for the rights of those harmed in these sorts of incidents for several years.