Fatal Vehicle Accidents Due to Impaired Driving

Fatal Vehicle Accidents Due to Impaired Driving Drunk driving is a major cause of motor vehicle crashes and fatalities across the nation and is one of the leading causes of motor vehicle traffic fatalities in the State of Texas. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that in Texas, 13,592 people were killed in vehicle crashes that involved alcohol-impaired drivers between 2009-2018. And in 2019, according to the Texas Department of Transportation, 25% of the total number of people killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes occurred where a driver was impaired by alcohol. Intoxicated drivers travel on Texas roads every day, and unfortunately, cause fatal accidents. The most recent data from TxDOT from 2019 shows 812 alcohol-impaired drivers were involved in fatal crashes that resulted in 886 total deaths.

What constitutes drunk driving in Texas?

According to Texas state law, legal intoxication is when an individual’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) measures at or above 0.08%. Additionally, if you are impaired by alcohol or a drug in any way, regardless of your BAC level, you can still be considered intoxicated if you have lost the normal use of your physical or mental faculties. Prosecutors will use bad driving facts, like an accident, to argue that someone charged with DWI could not drive safely because of alcohol or drugs in the driver’s system.

When do alcohol-related crashes occur most often?

One person is killed or injured in a drunk driving accident every 20 minutes in Texas, according to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). Though alcoholrelated accidents can happen to anyone at any time, statistics from 2019 reveal that about 47% of all Texas alcohol-related traffic accidents happen on weekend evenings. The data shows that the greatest number of reported drunk driving crashes occurred between the hours of 9:00 pm and 3:00 am, with fatal drunk driving crashes occurring most often between 2:00 am and 3:00 am after Texas bars close for the night.

Avoiding alcohol-related traffic accidents Fatal alcohol-related crashes continue on Texas roadways, even though the public is aware of the risks and consequences associated with drunk driving. When people choose to get behind the wheel while intoxicated, they take on those risks and can suffer life-altering consequences when an accident occurs. If you are going out and drinking, make a plan for alternative transportation ahead of any events or gatherings.

Alcohol-related accidents can be avoided by designating a sober driver, taking an Uber or calling a taxi.

If you or a loved one have been involved in an alcohol-related motor vehicle crash in Texas, you should speak to an experienced DWI attorney who can provide legal counsel. Do not hesitate to contact the Law Office of Collin Evans online or by phone for assistance. The competent and caring legal team offers free consultations to help assess your situation and determine how to proceed with your case. Collin Evans is an experienced, skilled attorney who can assist with any alcohol-related legal charges you face.