As a Weatherford personal injury lawyer, it never ceases to amaze me how often celebrities, athletes and other public figures are busted for drunk driving. I’m sure they realize how dangerous it is, so do they think that just because they’re rich and famous the law doesn’t apply to them? The latest person of interest to be arrested for driving while intoxicated is Walmart Heiress Alice Walton, 62, Parker County.

According to the Texas Highway Patrol, Walton was pulled over on I-20 in a construction zone near South Main Street in Weatherford shortly after 10pm last night. She was initially stopped for a traffic violation but when the arresting officer suspected that she might be over the legal alcohol limit, he administered a field sobriety test. She failed.

This is not the first time that Walton has been in trouble for her hazardous driving. In April 1989, she killed a pedestrian, Oleta Hardin, 50, although no charges were ultimately filed. In 1998, she was again driving under the influence of alcohol when she crashed her car into a gas meter. She is alleged to have told the responding officer, “I’m Alice Walton, bitch!” She got off with a fine.

Seeing people like this – regardless of who they are - who have repeatedly gotten behind the wheel when they know full well they are not capable of safely operating a vehicle should be penalized to the fullest extent of the law possible. Walton has already gotten off easy on two prior dangerous driving incidents, this is strike three. It should not be tolerated.

There is never any excuse for drunk driving. It doesn’t matter who you are. If you want to put your own life at risk, fine. But by getting in the driving seat after drinking you are jeopardizing other people’s safety too. That is inexcusable. Whenever someone hires me as their attorney after being injured by a drunk driver I do not hesitate to pursue their claim for compensation as aggressively possible. Drunk drivers need to be taught a lesson.

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