Texas Drunk Driving Accidents 101

Statistics on Drunk Driving

One in three people are involved in a drunk driving collision at least once in their lifetime. There were about 17,000 fatalities related to drunk driving accidents in 2005. That is 39% of ALL traffic fatalities. Across the USA, one person every minute is injured from an alcohol related accident.

Fatal Texas Intoxicated Driving Statistics

The state of Texas leads the nation in alcohol related accident fatalities. In 2007 there were 88,236 arrests for drunk driving (that’s just in Texas). There were almost 1,500 fatalities in Texas in 2008 which was 43% of all fatalities for that year. Something has to be done to stop this.

Texas Drunk Driving Law

In Texas it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 percent or higher. Texas law also prohibits commercial drivers from driving with a BAC of .04 percent or higher.

Dram Shop Law in Texas

In Texas, anyone who provides, sells or serves alcohol to an individual who was “obviously intoxicated to the extent that he presented a clear danger to himself and others” can be held liable for the damages suffered. See Tex. Alco. Bev. Code § 2.02.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) in Texas

MADD is the nation’s largest not-for-profit organization protecting families from drunk driving. They support victims and survivors of drunk driving for free and work to achieve their lifesaving mission. To donate, click here.

Holidays Most Associated with Alcohol Related Accidents

1) 4th of July
2) Halloween
3) Labor Day
4) Thanksgiving
5) Christmas
6) Memorial Day
7) New Year
Super Bowl
9) St. Patrick’s Day

Texas Ignition Interlock Devices

In Texas, an ignition interlock device will be installed in a car if a person has 2 drunk driving convictions. This device tests the BAC of the driver prior to allowing the car to start. If the BAC is above the set limit, the engine will not start.