In a dramatic turn of events, a New Hampshire father was issued a speeding ticket while urgently driving his wife to the hospital as she was in labor. Despite the urgency, the state trooper who stopped them escorted the couple to the hospital, where their son was born just six minutes later. The trooper then issued the speeding ticket, sparking a debate on the balance between emergency situations and road safety.
In the early hours of September 18, 2010, John Coughlin found himself in a high-stakes race to get his wife, Angela, to the hospital. Angela had gone into labor, and the situation quickly escalated when her water broke and the baby began to crown. John, realizing the urgency, sped up to reach Catholic Medical Center in Manchester, New Hampshire. However, his speed caught the attention of a state trooper who clocked him driving at 102 miles per hour in a 55 mph zone on Interstate 293.
John called 911 to inform the dispatcher of the emergency. The dispatcher relayed the situation to the state trooper, who then took the lead and escorted the Coughlins to the hospital. Upon arrival, their son, Kyle Coughlin, was born just six minutes later. Despite the successful delivery, the trooper issued John a speeding ticket, citing the extreme risk posed by his high-speed driving.
John Coughlin later appeared on ABC's Good Morning America, expressing that he was unaware of how fast he was driving. New Hampshire State Police Maj. Russell Conte defended the trooper's decision, stating that John had endangered his wife, unborn child, himself, and the public.
In April 2011, the Coughlins appeared in Manchester District Court. John faced a $500 fine and the potential loss of his driver's license. However, Judge Jay Boynton found him not guilty, ruling that the imminent birth of his son justified his actions.
A local TV station conducted a poll asking whether John should have received a speeding ticket. Out of over 11,000 respondents, 55% agreed with the ticket, while 45% disagreed. The incident also sparked discussions among bloggers, with many emphasizing the dangers of driving over 100 mph, especially considering New Hampshire's winter conditions. However, the incident occurred in September, when icy roads were not a concern.
Some bloggers suggested that the Coughlins should have called 911 and waited for paramedics to handle the emergency. Despite the mixed opinions, the Coughlins' attorney, Mark Stevens, expressed relief that the ordeal was over.
The Coughlins' story highlights the delicate balance between emergency situations and road safety. While the urgency of getting to the hospital was undeniable, the risks associated with high-speed driving cannot be overlooked. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of emergency preparedness and the potential consequences of speeding, even in critical situations.
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