Texas has a high number of DUI accidents, injuries and deaths; however, there is room for improvement when it comes to DUI legislation.
Motorists in San Antonio and across Texas may be at an increased risk of being involved in a drunk driving car accident. Although drunk drivers are a threat to motorists in any state, Texas reportedly had the highest number of DUI deaths in the country in 2013, according to Mothers Against Drunk Driving. Not only do drunk drivers pose a danger to other motorists on the road, but they threaten the lives of motorcyclists, bicyclists and pedestrians as well. Those people who are lucky enough to survive an auto accident caused by an intoxicated driver may suffer from serious injuries, such as traumatic brain damage, spinal cord damage, broken bones or even paralysis.
DUI statistics
In 2013, 25,479 car accidents involved drunk drivers in Texas, as reported by MADD. Of that number, 15,687 people were seriously injured and 1,337 were killed. While drunk driving deaths across the U.S. decreased from 10,336 deaths in 2012 to 10,076 in 2013, DUI deaths have been on the rise in Texas since 2011 when 1,216 people were killed. Drunk driving fatalities accounted for 39.5 percent of all motor vehicle accident deaths in the state, as reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Ignition interlock devices
One way that Texas could decrease the number of drunk drivers on the road would be to require all convicted DUI offenders to use ignition interlock devices on their vehicles. These small breath test devices work to keep intoxicated drivers from operating a vehicle. Several states in the nation have implemented such a law, and many of them have seen a dramatic decrease in DUI-related accidents and deaths. However, Texas has yet to enact such a law.
According to Dallas Morning News, a new law will allow DUI offenders to opt out of their driver's license suspension and have an ignition interlock device installed in their vehicle instead. This would allow offenders to continue driving, but would ensure that they would not climb behind the wheel while intoxicated. MADD reported that up to 75 percent of DUI offenders who have had their driver's licenses suspended, continue to drive. This measure will be beneficial to DUI offenders, law enforcement and other motorists on the road.
Finding a personal injury attorney
People who have been injured in a motor vehicle accident caused by a drunk driver may suffer from financial, emotional and physical trauma. A Texas personal injury attorney who knows how to handle DUI personal injury cases may help you explore your legal options when it comes to getting compensation for your injuries.
If you are in the need of legal help contact the team at Maloney Law Group, your consultation is free.