Driver of 18 wheeler who was driving on Riverside Drive
IN Memphis, TN, is charged with DUI and reckeless driving
MEMPHIS, Tenn-The driver of an 18-wheeler is behind bars and charged with DUI and reckless driving.
Police say the big rig driver caused a crash that almost sent him and the people inside a small car into the Mississippi River. It happened at Riverside Drive and Beale.
The truck driver told police he got behind the wheel after celebrating New Year’s Eve.
Katie Peters is thinking twice about coming down Riverside Drive because she doesn`t know if she`s safe; especially after hearing about the recent crash.
“That does sound bad,” she said.
When officers came, they noticed the 18 wheeler Jose Mendoza was driving was 50 yards off the road in the middle of Tom Lee Park with several trees and light poles down.
“It`s definitely frustrating, it`s concerning, you know, you got people trying to get home or just trying to have a good time and there`s always going to be people out there drinking,” said Roger Wolmack; a driver.
Mendoza told officers he was on his way to Texas to drop off a load. He said he stopped to have a few drinks to celebrate the New Year. When he started driving Northbound on Riverside; he hit a vehicle and lost control.
“I seen the wreckage of it where they tore through looks like a street post sign and a couple of trees,” Wolmack added.
A sign on Riverside Drive clearly indicates trucks aren`t even allowed to drive down the road.
There`s already a lot of controversy behind Riverside Drive. The road used to be four lanes alongside Tom Lee Park. Now it`s one lane in each direction with two lanes used for biking, jogging and walking.
“I think they need to open up the bike lane,” said Katie Peters who also drives on the road.
Mayor AC Wharton says it`s time to revisit this topic. While some people support bike lanes, others are afraid it’s only going to be a matter of time before there’s another accident there.