In a car crash or other incident involving multiple vehicles the police may investigate whether the driver of any of the vehicles is under the influence of or intoxicated by alcohol or drugs, and are not limited to investigating and arresting only the driver who was at fault in the accident, for example.
In North Carolina, when a car crash or other incident involving multiple vehicles occurs, law enforcement officers have the authority to investigate all drivers involved for potential impairment due to alcohol or drugs. This means that even if a driver is not at fault for the accident, they can still be subject to investigation and arrest if there is probable cause to believe they are under the influence. North Carolina's implied consent law requires that any driver arrested for driving while impaired (DWI) submit to a chemical test to determine their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) or the presence of drugs. Refusal to take the test can result in immediate license revocation and other penalties. The state's DWI laws are codified in Chapter 20 of the North Carolina General Statutes, specifically in Article 2 - Motor Vehicles, which outlines the procedures for enforcement and the penalties for violations.