SYMPTOMS OF INTOXICATION

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XIX, Issue 66, 5 March 1929, Page 6

SYMPTOMS OF INTOXICATION

MEDICAL OPINIONS. CHARGE AGAINST MOTORIST. Hamilton, March 4. Interesting medical opinions regard ing intoxication in relation to motor accidents were given to-day at the trial of Patrick Deegan, driver of a car which crashed into a train at a level crossing at Forest Lake, Hamil ton, on December 1. Alexander John Hamilton, a passenger in the car, was killed and Deegan was charged with causing his death, through, alternatively, intoxication or negligent driving.

According to the Crown’s case Deegan had had at least six or eight beers during the afternoon. The police and Dr. Waddell declared that Deegan was intoxicated. Mrs Cowan, who was in the accused’s car with her children, said he showed no evidence of drink. Dr A. G. Waddell, who was on the scene soon after the accident, said that the evidences of Deegan’s intoxication were rapid pulse (102 instead of the normal 70), unsteadiness, confusion and repetition in speech, besides the smell of liquor. Mr J. F. Strang, counsel for the defence, cross-examined Dr. Waddell with a view to showing that Deegan’s condition was due to excitement after the accident.

Mr Strang: You yourself have a great prejudice against alcohol?

Dr. Waddell: I am a teetotaller on principle. Mr Strang: Do you think a man is capable of driving a car after having one or two beers!

Dr. Waddell: He is taking a risk. Mr Strang: But would you say he was incapable! Dr. Waddell: Some might be capable, others would not. Judge Blair: Supposing a man had had two or three drinks would his action, say, in applying the brake be delayed in consequence! Witness said that the ingestion of alcohol undoubtedly caused mental action to be delayed. A man would act slower in a crisis who had been drinking liquor. This had been proved time and again.

Dr. M. M. Hockin, superintendent of the Waikato Hospital, who was called regarding Hamilton’s fatal injuries, said in answer to Str Strang that, taken by itself, a rapid, bounding pulse would notindicate insobriety It might following an accident, indicate excitement. It was feasible that repetition of answers might be due to a state of daze. . A blow behind the ear might cause a man to be dazed and affect his balance.

Mr Gillies (Crown prosecutor): If you observed the combination of symptoms mentioned by Mr Strang and also smelled alcohol' on a person, combined with a flushed face, what condition would you say produced those symptoms? Witness replied that without seeing the person he did not know what he would say. The ease was adjourned till to-mor-row.