Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Dog licking driver causes accident that KILLED a man

Man turns self in after fatal accident Says his dog distracted him

Updated: Monday, 11 Oct 2010, 10:58 PM EDT
Published : Monday, 11 Oct 2010, 10:54 PM EDT
Jamie Muro

Westport, Conn. (WTNH) - A Westport man is now facing charges in a fatal crash that happened last April.

Saturday, 22-year-old Brian Taplinger of Belaire Drive finally turned himself in at the Westport Police Department saying he was distracted by his dog at the time of the accident.

On April 29th, Taplinger presumably left his home with his terrier mix in his 2005 Volvo. According to Westport Police, Taplinger was driving a 2005 Volvo on Greens Farms Road and struck a 1990 Acura head on.

The driver of the Acura was 70-year-old Geoffrey Reynolds, who died from his injuries on May 9th.

In a strange turn of events, police say Taplinger Saturday reported that his dog jumped into his lap causing him to lose control of the car.

Taplinger was released on a $10,000 bond and will appear in court on October 20th.

He is charged with negligent homicide with a motor vehicle, a charge that could cost him $1,000 and up to six months in jail.

Full article can be seen online, however Pet Safety Lady, founder of Bark Buckle UP stated, "this is what we have been teaching for years, buckle up the whole family, loose pets are driver distraction and cause accidents".

About: Bark Buckle UP® founder Christina Selter “Pet Safety Lady” works with first responders nationwide teaching pet safety and has buckled UP more then 10,000 pets. Education is the first step to show that pet safety is connected to human safety, which helps to save lives. Christina has been featured in more then 372 news segments, directed and produced several pet safety PSA’s and created Be Smart Ride Safe-take the pledge Buckle Up the whole family.

see video here