Texas Ramps Up Patrols to Prevent Holiday Drunk Driving Accidents
The holiday season is a time of joy and celebration, but for many Texas families, it’s also a time of heartbreak. Each year, drunk driving accidents spike during this festive period, turning celebrations into tragedies. Gatherings, parties, and holiday travel often involve alcohol, and even one wrong decision can change lives forever. Drunk driving doesn’t just impact the impaired driver — it puts everyone on the road at risk.
Holiday traffic also plays a role in drunk driving crashes. With more cars on the road due to holiday traveling, the chances of collisions increase. Drivers rushing to parties or traveling long distances may combine alcohol with fatigue. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), drunk driving causes over 13,000 traffic fatalities across the United States each year.
In Texas, the numbers are alarmingly high this time of year. During the 2023 Thanksgiving weekend and holiday season, 126 Texans lost their lives, and another 272 suffered serious injuries in drunk-driving crashes, according to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT).
What is Texas doing to prevent drunk driving?
To help save lives this holiday season, Texas is intensifying its fight against drunk driving through the ‘Drive Sober. No Regrets’ campaign, led by TxDOT. This statewide effort includes increased sobriety checkpoints, public awareness initiatives, and community events aimed at stopping impaired drivers before they cause harm. For instance, some areas in Houston and Channelview offer free sober ride programs during the holidays, making it easier for partygoers to get home safely.
Police departments across the state will set up sobriety checkpoints to catch impaired drivers. Law enforcement agencies are also partnering with TxDOT to spread the message through ads, social media, and community events. These efforts seek to save lives by stopping impaired drivers before accidents occur.
How can drivers stay safe during the holidays?
“We have a problem in Texas, and with the festivities coming up, so does impaired driving,” said TxDOT Traffic Safety Specialist Blanca Treviño-Castro. “We don’t want people to have to deal with the tragedy because someone made the mistake of driving under the influence of alcohol.”
Staying safe starts with planning ahead before attending celebrations. TxDOT encourages drivers to use ride-sharing apps, taxis, or public transportation. Many communities also offer free sober ride programs during the holidays.
Party hosts can help prevent a tragedy by offering non-alcoholic options and making sure everyone gets home without harm. They can order ride-shares, arrange group transportation, or set aside a few volunteer drivers before the festivities even begin. While it may feel like a small detail, planning ahead can mean the difference between a joyful celebration and a heartbreaking loss.
What are the broader dangers of impaired driving?
Drunk driving endangers everyone on the road, and even a small amount of alcohol can impair a driver’s judgment and reaction time. Texas law sets the legal Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) limit at 0.08, but impairment can begin at a BAC as low as 0.02. This level, often associated with ‘buzzed driving,’ can still lead to crashes, especially during nighttime holiday travel when visibility is reduced.
Drivers caught with a BAC of 0.08 or higher face steep fines, license suspensions, and even jail time. Beyond the legal penalties, the consequences for victims can be devastating, including life-altering injuries, emotional trauma, and financial burdens. By choosing a sober ride, drivers can avoid these risks entirely and protect themselves and others on the road.
What legal recourse do drunk driving crash victims have?
Despite campaigns and law enforcement efforts, impaired drivers continue to make dangerous decisions that lead to devastating crashes. For those injured by a drunk driver, the aftermath can feel overwhelming. Dealing with medical bills, lost wages, and uncooperative insurance companies can add to the stress of recovery. This is where an experienced car accident lawyer can make a critical difference.
Victims of drunk driving accidents have legal options to hold negligent drivers accountable. Texas law allows injured parties to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
However, the process isn’t always easy. If you’re pursuing a claim without legal representation, you could face pushback from the drunk driver’s insurance company. They often use tactics to keep their costs down, even when it’s clear that the other driver was at fault. The good news is that an experienced Houston car accident lawyer at Smith & Hassler can deal with the insurance companies for you at no upfront costs. Our legal team can investigate your crash, help you build a strong case, and fight to maximize your compensation while you focus on your recovery.
We have successfully fought for full compensation for our clients, and our case results prove it. For example, we recovered $537,000 for a client who suffered a head injury and a leg fracture in a T-bone car accident. Since we operate on a contingency fee basis, we only get paid if we get a successful case outcome for you.
To get started on your claim, contact us online or call one of our law offices in Houston or Channelview for a free consultation.
“I went to a couple of Law firms before coming to Smith and Hassler. I told them of my situation, and they had no problem assisting me with my case. I am very happy with the lawyer I had and the awesome work that was done on my behalf. The staff was always warm and very friendly; if anyone I know ever needs a lawyer and great representation, I will always recommend Smith and Hassler.” – Pam F.
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