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 New York State, when a car crash or other incident involving multiple vehicles occurs, law enforcement officers have the authority to investigate all drivers involved for potential intoxication or impairment by alcohol or drugs. This is not limited to the driver who appears to be at fault. New York's Vehicle and Traffic Law grants police officers the right to conduct field sobriety tests and chemical tests if they have reasonable grounds to believe a driver is under the influence. If a driver is found to be intoxicated or impaired, they may be arrested and charged with Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) or Driving While Ability Impaired (DWAI), among other potential charges. The investigation and subsequent legal actions are based on the evidence and observations made by the police at the scene, regardless of the driver's role in the accident.