MCOLES State Licensing Practice Exam

After responding to a minor vehicle accident, what should be your next step if the driver was speeding but there is insufficient evidence for OWI?

1. Issue a speeding ticket

2. Send the driver home with a warning

3. Call a tow truck for the vehicle

4. Request a breathalyzer test anyway

The correct answer is: Issue a speeding ticket

When responding to a minor vehicle accident where speeding is evident but evidence for Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) is insufficient, issuing a speeding ticket is a justifiable next step. This action addresses the violation of traffic laws, as the driver’s speeding contributed to the accident. Law enforcement has the authority to enforce traffic regulations, and issuing a ticket serves to hold the driver accountable for their actions. In this scenario, while there may not be enough evidence for an OWI charge, the act of speeding is a separate offense that can be dealt with through a citation. This maintains public safety and reinforces the importance of obeying speed limits, which is crucial for preventing future incidents. Other options, such as sending the driver home with a warning, do not adequately address the driver’s violation of the law. Calling a tow truck might be necessary depending on the condition of the vehicles involved, but it doesn't directly address the speeding issue. Requesting a breathalyzer test without sufficient evidence for OWI is inappropriate and could be seen as an overreach, as it would likely not result in any legal consequences for the driver. By choosing to issue a speeding ticket, law enforcement not only holds the driver accountable but also reinforces the rule of law within the community