Drivers in Massachusetts have to contend with some difficult road conditions. Many cities and towns have old colonial roads that twist, turn, narrow and intersect at odd places. Massachusetts roads are also known for having their fair share of potholes. Add heavy winter snow and ice to the mix, and you can safely say that driving in this state is no easy task. But one thing drivers should never have to worry about is a drunk driver.

Unfortunately, drunk drivers are as much of the landscape as potholes. This week a Taunton woman received a prison sentence of six to eight years for her role in a fatal drunk driving crash. The accident occurred in July 2009 on Route 140 in Taunton. According to prosecutors, her vehicle's black box indicated that she was speeding at an astounding 113 miles per hour. She quickly approached another car from behind and, failing to slow down or avoid the other car, slammed into it.

The violence of the impact sent the other vehicle careening off the road and killed its back seat passenger, who was a 48-year-old married father with a young daughter. The drunk driver survived the crash and left the scene of the accident on foot. She was apparently uninjured and walked a mile before being apprehended by police. She was charged and convicted of leaving the scene of a deadly accident and manslaughter while driving drunk.

Regrettably, this accident could have been prevented. The woman has a long history of driving violations, and many others like her continue to make the life-altering choice to drink and get behind the wheel of a car.

Source: Taunton Daily Gazette, "Taunton woman sentenced to 6-8 years in fatal OUI case," Charles Winokoor, Feb. 8, 2012.