Palmer v. Myklebust

424 S.W.2d 169, 244 Ark. 5, 1968 Ark. LEXIS 1301

• Court: Supreme Court of Arkansas
• Decided: February 5, 1968
• Docket: 5-4438
• Status: Published

Opinions

George Rose Smith, Justice.

This is a guest statute case. On the night of May 26, 1966, the appellee Pam Myklebust, age 21, the appellant Jerry G. Palmer, and another yonng couple were riding in North Little Rock in a car being driven, by Jerry. Pam was admittedly a guest. She was injured when Jerry turned sharply into a filling station and struck a vending machine with such force that Pam was thrown against the windshield, shattering the glass and cutting her face. In this action brought by Pam the jury awarded her $2,500. For reversal the appellant contends that there was no proof of willful misconduct on his part and that Pam assumed the risk of his hazardous driving.

The- court properly submitted to the jury the issue of willful misconduct. Jerry admitted that he had been drinking and had had about nine beers. Even though neither Pam nor Jerry testified that he was intoxicated, the jury were entitled to take into the jury box their common sense and experience in the ordinary affairs of life. Rogers v. Stillman, 233 Ark. 779, 268 S. W. 2d 614 (1954). They might fairly have concluded that the consumption of so much beer had affected Jerry’s ability to drive. One who drives while intoxicated may be found to be chargeable with willful and wanton misconduct. Bridges v. Stephens, 238 Ark. 801, 384 S. W. 2d 490 (1964).

Furthermore, Pam testified that Jerry seemed not to be familiar with the car, which belonged to the other young man’s grandmother, and that his driving so frightened her that she asked to be taken home. That request angered Jerry, who at once tried to turn back and comply with Pam’s request. In his attempt to make a U-turn Jerry drove into the filling station at an excessive speed and hit the vending machine without even attempting to apply his brakes. He later pleaded guilty to reckless driving, which involves a wanton disregard for the safety of others. Ark. Stat. Ann. § 75-1003 (Repl. 1957); Miller v. Blanton, 213 Ark. 246, 210 S. W. 2d 293, 3. A. L. R. 2d 203 (1948). On the whole, there was ample testimony to support a finding of willful misconduct.

We are similarly of the opinion that the issue of assumed risk was for the jury. Even though Jerry had been drinking, Pam testified that he didn’t appear to be under the influence of alcohol. When, however, it became apparent that he was driving very badly, Pam protested — asking first that she be permitted to take the wheel and later that she be taken home. Upon substantially the same testimony we held, when contributory negligence was a complete defense, that the passenger was not guilty of contributory negligence as a matter of law. Scott v. Shairrick, 225 Ark. 59, 279 S. W. 2d 39 (1955). We likewise hold in the case at bar that Pam did not, as a matter of law, assume the risk of Jerry’s hazardous driving. The verdict sets the issue at rest.

Affirmed.

Byrd, J., concurs.