It seems like a lot of trains have been hitting cars lately. This time, after a train hit an SUV, a North Carolina woman was arrested for DUI. She’s lucky to be alive, but her Ford Explorer took quite the blow. 

North Carolina woman gets DUI after a train smashes her SUV 

Raleigh police officers responded to the scene around 1:20 am on Shotwell Road near Old U.S. 70 Clayton after a train hit an SUV stuck on the tracks. 

According to Restoration News Media, 55-year-old Kathleen Ann Brees was driving north on Shotwell Road when she lost control of her 2018 Ford Explorer. 

It hit the railroad tracks and came to a stop on a gravel embankment. Brees jumped out of her SUV right before a westbound Norfolk Southern train struck. 

Luckily, no one was injured. However, Brees was charged with driving under the influence. Also, the railroad was closed for about three hours while police officers investigated the scene. The train tracks were inspected for damage. 

Police officers have not shared which influence she was driving under. If I had to wager a guess, I’d put my money on alcohol. 

In North Carolina, the blood alcohol content (BAC) limit is 0.08% for most drivers. For commercial drivers, the BAC limit is reduced to 0.04%. 

Also, you can get charged with DWI even if you aren’t over the 0.08% limit. The arresting officer only has to show that you were appreciably impaired. Driving off the road and getting stuck on train tracks show impairment in my opinion. 

Aside from being charged with DUI, Brees could have her insurance claim for the 2018 Ford Explorer denied. 

While insurance companies will cover a totaled vehicle after a DUI accident, they can deny claims if the insurer believes that the driver acted intentionally during the incident.