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Driver Charged With DUI Manslaughter After Fatal Munson Highway Crash
October 28, 2023
Christopher Shane Ammons, 49, was traveling north on Munson Highway and turning into a private driveway just north of Lawler Lane when the crash happened Saturday morning.
As Ammons was turning, troopers said a a car traveling north behind Ammons on the roadway attempted to pass his truck, resulting in the collision.
The Florida Highway Patrol said the front of his pickup truck collided with the passing car driven by a 22-year old Milton man about 10 a.m. Saturday, causing the car to leave the roadway and overturn. The driver was partially ejected and pronounced deceased on the scene. Two other 17-year old passengers in the car received minor injuries.
Ammons was charged with DUI manslaughter and booked into the Santa Rosa County Jail without bond.
Comments
14 Responses to “Driver Charged With DUI Manslaughter After Fatal Munson Highway Crash”
When turning left you are focusing on weather its clear to turn. You shouldn’t have to watch for people going around you. Doesn’t seem to matter if you signal people are in to much of a hurry to stop. Driving while under the influence takes away your clear thinking. They definitely need to take a look at that law…prayers for all involved.
Of course he should not have been driving drunk – but this left turn law is crazy. With the ever increasing traffic it’s normal that cars line up behind you while you are stopped signaling your intent to make a left turn. Nowadays Impatient drivers will pass you on the right wherever possible – not legal, but safer than passing at the exact moment you start to turn left. Not sure what the answer is…it’s getting worse daily
Don’t you all remember the story a few weeks ago–where “someone” had looked up the statute in Florida that states if you turn left and a car is passing on the left–you are liable. Stupid as that is—it s a law!
Ye4s he shouldn’t have been under the influence–we all agree with that. But the manslaughter charge..I find a little harsh
Don’t you all remember the story a few weeks ago–where “someone” had looked up the statute in Florida that states if you turn left and a car is passing on the left–you are liable. Stupid as that is—it s a law!
Wow all yall are talking about is if he used his turn signal did the other driver use his to let him know he was going to pass in the left lane on a two lane hwy and who does that ? And was he really intoxicated or just very nervous I mean someone just died before you judge put yourself in the situation bottom line he would still be here if he had on seat belt. FLORIDA NEEDS TO GET RID OF THIS STUPID LAW THAT WILL LET SOMEONE PASS YOU WHILE TURNING
I agree with what a previous commentor said, if a drunk driver causes a death, throw the book at them and they should spend the rest of their life in prison. Yes he’s wrong for being on the road after drinking regardless. But if he used his turn signal properly, made a legal turn and put on his turn signal in enough time for the person behind him to notice, I don’t think he’s should be charged with manslaughter. I hate that a man lost his life and my condolences go out to his family and loved ones.
Just because it says DUI doesn’t me he was drunk. You can be DUI means Driving Under the Influence, which could also be drugs. And if you read FL Statue 316.122 it states that if you are making a left and turn and an accident results you are at fault for not looking in your mirrors to make sure it was clear to turn.
He’s automatically at fault because he should have never been on the road drunk in the first place. Doesn’t matter if the accident was his fault or not. Had he not chose to drink and drive, he wouldn’t have been on the road and that young man who lost his life would still be alive.
I’m all for throwing the book at drunk drivers who injure/kill but based on the information that’s come out so far, unless he failed to signal to turn, I fail to see where the cause of the crash was his fault.
Already drunk at 10:00am?
I understand being charged with a DUI because you shouldn’t be driving under the influence. Was he not using a signal to turn left? Was the people behind him speeding? Were they passing on a no passing line? There’s not enough information on here at this time . I really don’t think you’re at fault if somebody passing you hits you. Of course unless he did not signal. That is the question. I am sorry to hear about the young man dying because that is very sad and wait too young to go.
Sometimes our eyes are focused on oncoming traffic and not traffic following behind. It’s a good idea to use your turn signal at all times. A FLORIDA LAW – The driver making a left-hand turn is presumed to be at fault if a side-impact collision occurs. This is because traffic laws in most states require left-turn drivers to be sure the intersection or the traffic lanes are clear before making the turn. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, if the driver was legally turning left at a traffic light with a green left-turn arrow, they may not be at fault.
What I do – turn on my signal, slow down, and start applying the brake lightly. This lets the vehicle behind you know – Hey they are turning.
I found out about this law when a friend and a family member were charged with the accident for making a left turn and someone from behind decided to pass.
Well it is florida and they are as backwards as alabama he should only be charged with dui not dui manslaughter
Unless there was a failure to signal, I don’t see how fault is found for the turning vehicle. The passing car approaching from the rear would normally be held at fault.