When it comes to drunk driving, every state ranks differently in terms of its level of DUIs, injuries and fatalities as a result of drunk drivers on the road. Unfortunately, Texas ranks higher than the national average for drivers who get behind the wheel after drinking too much.
Drunk driving not only puts the driver at risk, it threatens the safety of everyone else on the road who comes into contact with that driver. In Texas, drunk driving leads to accidents, injuries and fatalities on roadways such as Interstate 14 and State Highway 195.
Texas statistics for drunk driving
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that the national average for people who reported getting behind the wheel and driving after having had too much to drink in the previous 30 days is 1.9%, while in Texas, that number is 2.1%. The report noted that more than 13,000 people died in accidents involving a drunk driver in 2012, and for deaths among people ages 21-34, Texas is higher than the national average for fatalities, with 10 deaths per 100,000 population, compared to the national average of 6.7.
Costs of drunk driving accidents
The personal and public toll of drunk driving is high. On a personal level, drunk driving accidents cause thousands of unnecessary deaths and injuries on Texas roads every year. The public safety toll is serious, with drunk drivers not only endangering safety, but also costing the criminal justice system time and money in prosecutions. The penalties for drunk driving in Texas range from fines of up to $2,000 and possible jail time on a first offense, as well as a possible license suspension of up to two years. The state also provides intervention programs for drunk drivers to help those with addiction.
If you are a Texas driver, you should be aware of the risks of driving after having had too much to drink. Drunk drivers put themselves and others at serious risk for personal injury and death every time they get behind the wheel.