A US-based Nigerian medical doctor identified as Uzochukwu Igboanugo has reportedly been killed by a drunk driver in Houston, Texas, United States.
According to reports, the 32-year-old was driving home from work when a drunk driver rammed into his vehicle and claimed his life.
His death was made public by his mourning father, Ikb Igboanugo on Facebook on Monday.
In his tribute on Facebook attached to an image of the burial proceedings, he wrote: “I lost this my son three weeks ago, I have been crying like a baby. A medical doctor (Ophthalmologist) in America.
“An accident victim of a drunkard who fell asleep while speeding on the highway, jumped his lane opposite direction and hit with speed force on the driver’s side door where my son was as he was driving home after work.
Ikb described Igboanugo as “a very nice boy, always happy, intelligent, friendly, caring, loving, sociable.”
Igboanugo’s father admitted he and his wife, Igboanugo’s mother, experienced challenges dealing with his death psychologically.
“Since his death, I have been going through mental and psychological trauma as my doctor has been warning me. My wife also has not been herself,” he said.
“Always pray as a parent not to lose any of your children irrespective of his behavior, because loss of a child can kill any parent…It is hellish and a disaster.
“Uzochukwu my son, you are now in God’s bosom and working for Him that was why he took you this early. Your soul will rest in God’s bosom in Jesus name.”
According to the United States Department of Transportation, every day, about 37 people in the United States die in drunk-driving crashes. That is one person every 39 minutes.
In 2022, 13,524 people died in alcohol-impaired driving traffic deaths. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says these deaths were all preventable.
In response, US auto safety regulators have begun the process that will eventually force carmakers to adopt new technology to prevent intoxicated drivers from starting vehicles.
This includes breath or touch-based sensors to detect alcohol, and cameras to monitor eye movements to determine if drivers are intoxicated.
However, the technology must be proven to work before it can be required, and automakers will be given at least three years to implement it once rules are finalised.
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