DUI ACCIDENTS IN TEXASA LOOK AT DRUNK DRIVING – AND HOW TO PREVENT IT

THE LONE STAR STATE’S DRUNK DRIVING PROBLEMTexas is home to nearly 27 million residents, with over 79,000 miles of roads - more than any other state. It is no surprise that we have a large number of accidents in our state. Every year, thousands of Texas drivers are involved in drunk driving accidents. These accidents are preventable and, through our collective efforts, we can make our roadways safer for all drivers.

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TEXAS DRUNK DRIVING STATISTICS• In 2014, 29 percent of all fatal motor vehicle crashes in Texas

involved drunk drivers.• There were 1,041 fatalities in drunk driving crashes.• From 2:00 a.m. to 2:59 a.m. is the most dangerous hour of

the day for drunk driving crashes.• Saturday is the most dangerous day of the week for drunk

driving crashes. • The age group with the highest rate of drunk drivers in fatal

vehicle crashes is 21 to 25, accounting for over one-fifth of crashes.

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TOP 5 CITIES IN TEXAS FOR DUI CRASHESIn 2014, there were 17,221 DUI crashes in Texas. The top 5 cities for DUI crashes in Texas were:• San Antonio - 1,900• Houston - 1,633• Dallas - 1,329• Austin - 1,110• Fort Worth - 674

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TEXAS DRUNK DRIVING PUNISHMENT AND FINESPunishments for drunk driving include imprisonment, community service, DWI education and courts costs. Fines for drunk driving in Texas range up to:• $2,000 for first offenses • $4,000 for second offenses • $10,000 for third offenses and DWI offenses

with a child in the vehicle.

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COMMON INJURIES IN DRUNK DRIVING CRASHES

DUI accidents can leave victims with a number of injuries. Some of the most serious include:• Broken Bones• Spinal Cord Injuries• Traumatic Brain Injuries• Organ Damage• Burns • Wrongful Death

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#ENDTHESTREAKTX

The Texas Department of Transportation started the #EndTheStreakTX to bring awareness to the fact that we have gone over 15 years without a deathless day on Texas roads. The last day without a road fatality in Texas was November 7, 2000. Since that day, over 50,000 people have lost their lives in Texas traffic accidents.

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WAYS TO COMBAT DRUNK DRIVING

• Laws and Penalties• Dedicated Law

Enforcement Initiatives• Public Awareness

Campaigns• Use of Public

Transportation, Taxicabs and Rideshare Services

• Ignition Interlocks

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IGNITION INTERLOCKS

Of all the ways to combat drunk driving, few offer as much promise as ignition interlocks. These devices are installed on a DUI offender’s vehicle and require the driver to pass a Breathalyzer test before starting the engine. If the driver fails the test, alarms warn the driver not to start the vehicle. Ignition interlocks are unique in the fact that, unlike many other forms of DUI enforcement, they prevent drunk driving from taking place, as opposed to punishing a person after the fact.

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DRAM SHOP LAWS

In Texas, like in many other states, the business or individual who served a drunk driver might also be held legally responsible, at least partially, for any damages that person causes. This is known as a “Dram Shop Law.” In order to prove liability, it must be shown that the server knew, or should have known, that the patron was intoxicated and continued to serve them anyway. guajardomarks.com

PARTY TIPS FOR REDUCING DRUNK DRIVING ACCIDENTSOne of the most important ways of ridding our roads of drunk driving crashes is by encouraging safety in our own lives. If you host a party, here are some tips to stop drunk driving before it starts. • Collect the keys of those who will be drinking.• Serve alcohol-free drinks.• Serve plenty of food.• Arrange for the transportation of friends who are drinking

alcohol.• Stop serving alcohol well before the party is over.

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HAVE YOU BEEN INJURED BY A DRUNK DRIVER?The Texas drunk driving attorneys at Guajardo & Marks can help. We have represented many clients who have been injured or lost loved ones due to the poor decisions made by a drunk driver. If you would like to explore your legal options in a free consultation, contact us today. We earn no fee unless we win.

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