There’s no shortage of adventures and entertainment in Texas once the sun sets. The various nightlife opportunities here can make for a fun evening. However, for those who consume alcohol, it is important to remember to drink responsibly and have a designated driver. Unfortunately, it seems more and more Texas residents these days are choosing to get behind the wheel while intoxicated.
Troubling report
A recent report ranked Texas as the third worst state for drunk driving in 2023. The report was published by Forbes and revealed some concerning statistics about fatal crashes caused by drunk drivers. According to the data, over 42% of all traffic fatalities in Texas last year were caused by drunk drivers. Reportedly, Texas also had the third-highest rate of underage drunk drivers involved in deadly car accidents at about 0.94 per 100,000 licensed drivers.
The data indicated that there were more than five people killed in drunk driving crashes for every 100,000 Texans. The report also showed that law enforcement agencies are making efforts to combat drunk driving, as there were nearly 340 DUI arrests made last year per 100,000 licensed drivers in Texas. Despite widespread public awareness campaigns about the dangers of drunk driving and tireless law enforcement efforts, it seems far too many people continue to ignore the trends.
Those charged have options
Ending up in jail after a night out is not anyone’s wish. However, it is important to remember that those in Texas who have been charged with DWI have legal rights and can seek the services of an experienced legal representative to present a defense against the allegations. A knowledgeable criminal defense attorney can work to obtain a favorable outcome while protecting the rights of those accused.