Springfield, Ore. – A 39-year-old woman is facing multiple charges after crashing her vehicle into a power pole while driving with a blood-alcohol content (BAC) more than six times the legal limit. The incident occurred on April 10, just before 7 a.m., along Gateway Street near Postal Way.
According to the Springfield Police Department (SPD), officers responded to the scene following reports of a crash involving a white 2015 Chrysler 300. The initial caller reported seeing the vehicle veer over a median just prior to the collision. Upon arriving at the scene, officers found the driver, later identified as Nichole Taylor, in the driver’s seat of the car.
SPD officials learned that Taylor’s driver’s license was suspended, and a subsequent breathalyzer test revealed that her BAC was 0.50—nearly seven times the legal limit of 0.08. Medical professionals state that a BAC of 0.40 is considered potentially lethal, further highlighting the severity of the situation.
Taylor, who appeared to have been driving under the influence of alcohol, is now facing several charges, including reckless driving, driving under the influence of intoxicants (DUII), and driving with a suspended license. Authorities have not reported any additional injuries from the crash, but the accident caused significant damage to the power pole.
SPD officials are continuing their investigation into the crash. The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of impaired driving and the extreme risks associated with operating a vehicle while severely intoxicated.
