Car accidents caused by drunk drivers in Texas remain a serious problem. In fact, drunk driving continues to be one of the leading causes of fatal car wrecks in the state. And compared to other states, Texas has one of the highest death toll rates for collisions caused by drunk drivers.
That’s one reason why state and local officials in Texas hope to raise awareness this holiday season about the dangers of drinking and driving.
“We don’t want people to have to deal with the tragedy because someone made the mistake of driving under the influence of alcohol,” said Blanca Treviño-Castro, a Traffic Safety Specialist with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), per KGNS News.
How many alcohol-related driving fatalities occur during the holidays?
Drunk driving has long been a serious problem between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve. But the problem has gotten even worse in recent years. In 2022, drunk drivers nationwide caused 1,062 deaths during the month of December, the highest death toll due to drunk driving in December since 2007, according to the most recent holiday drunk driving accident data compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Texas drunk driving accident statistics
Drunk driving “remains a leading cause of traffic deaths in the state, particularly during the holidays,” according to KGNS News, which reported on the TxDOT annual “Drive Sober. No Regrets” campaign.
Last year, drunk driving accidents took the lives of 126 people in Texas between Thanksgiving and New Year's, according to TxDOT accident statistics for 2023. During that same period, holiday drunk driving accidents in Texas were also responsible for 272 serious injuries.
While drunk driving is a serious problem in Texas during the holidays, collisions caused by impaired drivers remain high year-round. In fact, by several measures, Texas is one of the worst states in the nation when it comes to drunk driving accidents.
Consider these numbers:
- Texas ranked the third-worst state in the country for drunk driving accidents, according to national crash statistics.
- 1,869 people died in drunk driving accidents in Texas in 2022, according to the most recent NHTSA data.
- 4 percent of all car accident deaths in Texas in 2022 were due to drunk drivers.
Holiday impaired driving prevention
So, what can Texas drivers do to avoid a drunk driving accident this holiday season? Local, state, and federal officials suggest these tips:
- Plan ahead: If you’re going out to celebrate the holidays with alcohol, have a plan for getting home safely, whether it’s a designated driver, taxi, rideshare service, or public transportation.
- Say something: If you see a friend or someone else drinking too much and about to drive home, say something to them, and don’t let them get behind the wheel.
- Take action: If someone insists on going home, offer them a ride or call for someone to pick them up. You could save someone's life.
Get justice with John after a drunk driving accident
Drunk driving accidents are devastating, leaving victims and their families with serious injuries, emotional trauma, and financial challenges. Despite efforts to raise awareness, many drivers still make reckless decisions, especially during the holiday season. If you’ve been injured in a drunk driving accident in Texas, it’s critical to take legal action to hold the at-fault driver accountable and secure the compensation you need to rebuild your life.
At John R. Solis, Attorney at Law in Laredo, we understand the complexities of drunk driving cases. From gathering evidence to proving liability, we fight tirelessly to protect your rights and ensure you receive maximum compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain, and suffering. Additionally, Texas law allows victims to pursue claims against establishments that overserved alcohol to an intoxicated driver under dram shop liability. These cases can be essential in seeking justice and deterring negligent practices.
Don’t let the insurance company brush aside or undervalue your claim. Contact our office today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Laredo drunk driving accident attorney. Let us handle the legal process while you focus on healing. We operate on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we win.
“If you’re looking for a good lawyer to handle your case, you’re at the right spot.” – Severo U., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐