The Department of Transportation has released statistics about driving while intoxicated. In the Houston area, there was an increase from the year 2016 to 2017 in wrecks involving motorists suspected of driving while intoxicated. Thankfully, there was a decline in Harris, Galveston, Brazoria, and Montgomery counties. Nevertheless, the data remain alarming.
In 2017, on a statewide basis, 944 drivers were involved in deadly crashes when they were driving while intoxicated. This is identical to the number from 2016. Shockingly, 62 of these drivers were under 21 years old. In addition, these 944 wrecks caused the deaths of 1,018 people. About 60% of those fatalities, namely 660 people, claimed the lives of the individuals who were driving while intoxicated. And 40 of those were underage drivers.
These figures demonstrate that driving while intoxicated causes a high number of avoidable highway deaths. This crime is perilous to all motorists and law enforcement officers. Plus, it imposes a high risk upon the intoxicated drivers themselves.
While the precise statistics about the hazards created by driving while intoxicated may vary from one year to another, we all know by now that this is an unacceptable, dangerous, and inexcusable risk. There is simply no justification to impose that risk on others using our roadways. The criminal courts in Texas are charged with the responsibility to enforce the penal code when driving while intoxicated results in tragedy. But, they are not equipped to provide compensation to innocent victims. In that situation, the civil justice system must help. And, the reality is that often the damages suffered vastly exceed the resources of those who cause alcohol-related injury and death. Thus, through the criminal courts and the civil courts, driving while intoxicated must be stopped.
If you or someone you know has been injured in an auto accident with a drunk driver, contact an attorney at Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner by calling 713-231-9360 or 1-888-229-5094.