ISP: Alcohol a factor in deadly March crash

PRIEST RIVER - Alcohol impairment was a contributing circumstance in a Highway 57 crash that claimed the life of a Priest River man in March.

Idaho State Police said Charles A. Burke was traveling northbound when he drove off the right-hand shoulder and crossed into the southbound lane. Burke's 1998 Ford Explorer crossed returned to the northbound lane, went back into the roadside ditch and overturned. The vehicle then struck a tree broadside, according to an Idaho Vehicle Collision Report.

Burke, 58, was not wearing a seat belt and was ejected from the sport utility vehicle. He died at the scene, the report said.

Alcohol impairment is listed as a contributing circumstance. Burke's blood alcohol concentration was 0.28, which is more than three times the legal limit of 0.08.

Failing to maintain his lane of travel and overcorrecting are also listed as contributing factors, the report said.

The crash happened on March 6 about 4 miles north of Priest River.