A motorcyclist was arrested on suspicion of DUI and three counts of endangerment after rear-ending an SUV carrying two small children on the westbound exit ramp of Interstate 10 and Watson Road in Buckeye, according to Highway Patrol State Troopers.
The collision happened around 6 p.m. Nov. 9. Investigators said an SUV was exiting I-10 when a motorcycle approached from behind at a high rate of speed and struck the rear of the vehicle.
The driver of the SUV told troopers the motorcyclist admitted to witnesses that he had been drinking and tried to leave the scene. The SUV driver blocked him from leaving and called 911 while waiting for first responders. The SUV was occupied by a woman and her two small children.
Troopers said the motorcycle rider showed several signs of impairment, including slurred speech and the odor of alcohol. He admitted to consuming alcohol before the crash, according to arrest documents.
The driver submitted to field sobriety tests, during which troopers observed additional signs of intoxication. A preliminary breath test showed a blood alcohol concentration of 0.165, more than twice Arizona's legal limit of 0.08 for DUI.
He was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and three counts of endangerment, one for each occupant of the SUV.
Highway Patrol officials are reminding the public that DUI laws apply to all motor vehicles, including motorcycles.
"You have many choices to get home safely from a night of drinking," officials said. "Make the choice to keep others on the roadway safe. Do not drink and drive."
