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Driving can be dangerous, especially given the enormous risk created by intoxicated drivers. Alcohol inhibits a person’s ability to drive, creating hazardous conditions for everyone on the road. Fortunately, there are some actions you can take to reduce the risk of being involved in an accident with an intoxicated driver. This blog provides essential tips to help you avoid drunk drivers and stay safe while driving in Texas.
The Dangers of Drinking and Driving
Driving under the influence (DUI) is a major cause of traffic accidents and fatalities. Alcohol impairs judgment, response time, and motor skills, making driving exceedingly risky. Furthermore, drunk drivers frequently engage in risky actions such as speeding, swerving, and disobeying traffic signals, endangering themselves and others. The consequences of drunk driving can be devastating, leading to severe injuries, fatalities, and long-lasting emotional trauma for victims and their families.
Statistics for DUI in Texas
Texas has some of the highest rates of DUI incidents in the United States. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, there were 1,090 fatalities in motor vehicle accidents caused by drunk drivers. This accounts for 25.45% of all motor vehicle traffic fatalities.
Texas is notorious for its high rate of drunk driving accidents. According to Forbes Advisor, The Lone Star State is the third-worst state for drunk driving. The state receives a rating of 98.66 out of 100, indicating the serious impact of drunk driving on its roadways. Texas is second in the number of drunk drivers involved in fatal crashes, with 8.30 per 100,000 licensed drivers. In addition, intoxicated drivers account for 42.37% of all road deaths in Texas.
The situation is particularly alarming for younger drivers. Texas has the third-highest rate of drunk drivers under the age of 21 involved in fatal crashes, at 0.94 per 100,000 licensed drivers. Overall, more than five people (5.14) are killed in crashes involving a drunk driver for every 100,000 state residents, making it the sixth-highest rate in the country. These sobering statistics underscore the critical need for heightened awareness and preventive measures to tackle drunk driving in Texas.
How to Identify Drunk Drivers
Identifying the signs of a drunk driver allows you to take preventative measures to avoid them. Common indicators are:
- Swerving or drifting between lanes
- Driving significantly over or under the speed limit
- Sudden stops or erratic braking
- Delayed responses to traffic signals
- Driving without headlights at night
- Near collisions with objects or other vehicles
When and Where Drunk Driving is Most Common
Drunk driving accidents are more likely to occur late at night, on weekends, and on holidays, when alcohol consumption is higher. Locations near pubs, clubs, and event sites are also popular among drunk drivers. Being aware of these times and locations might help you stay alert and avoid potential hazards.
How to Minimize the Risks of Being Hit by a Drunk Driver
To reduce your chances of encountering a drunk driver, you need to adopt a combination of proactive and defensive driving practices. Here are some guidelines to keep you safe on the road:
- Drive Defensively: Always be attentive and ready to react to other drivers’ behavior. Defensive driving entails anticipating potential threats and being prepared to take evasive action if needed. This involves keeping a close eye on other drivers’ behavior and staying a safe distance from vehicles that appear to be driving erratically.
- Avoid High-Risk Areas: Steer clear of roads known for frequent drunk driving incidents, especially during late hours. Certain areas, such as those near bars, clubs, and event venues, are more likely to have impaired drivers. Plan your route to avoid these high-risk locations whenever possible.
- Increase Following Distance: Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles to allow more time to react to sudden movements. The standard following distance is at least three seconds, but increasing this distance can provide a greater buffer if the driver ahead makes an unexpected maneuver.
- Use Well-Lit Roads: Choose well-lit routes to improve visibility and reduce the chances of encountering impaired drivers. Well-lit roads make it easier to detect irregular driving behavior and provide more time to react to potential risks.
- Obey Traffic Laws: Follow all traffic signals and speed limits to avoid unexpected collisions with other vehicles. Adhering to traffic laws lowers the chance of accidents and ensures that you drive predictably, allowing other drivers to anticipate your actions.
- Stay Off the Road During Peak Times: If possible, avoid driving late at night or on holidays, when drunk driving is more common. Drunk driving incidents tend to be higher during these periods, so limiting your time on the road can dramatically lower your risk.
- Wear Your Seatbelt: Ensure that you and all passengers are buckled up to minimize injury in the event of an accident. Seatbelts are one of the most effective ways to protect yourself in a crash and wearing them can make the difference between minor injuries and severe harm.
While not all accidents are avoidable, taking these precautions will significantly decrease your chances of getting into a car accident with a drunk driver.
What to Do If You Encounter a Drunk Driver
If you suspect a driver is impaired, it is important to keep your distance and not attempt to overtake or challenge the driver. Aggressive maneuvers can increase the danger for both you and the impaired driver.
Next, pull over and dial 911 to report the suspected drunk driver. Please include the vehicle’s make, model, color, and license plate number, if feasible. Reporting intoxicated drivers allows law enforcement to take measures to prevent future incidents.
Damages You Can Recover if You’re Hit by a Drunk Driver in Dallas, TX
If you are involved in an accident with a drunk driver, you may be entitled to various damages, including:
- Medical expenses (current and future)
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Emotional distress
- Punitive damages to punish the drunk driver
What is the Average Settlement for a Drunk Driving Accident in Texas?
The typical settlement for a drunk driving accident in Texas varies greatly depending on the severity of the injuries and the amounts of insurance policies involved as well as other case specific issues. Settlement amounts might range from tens of thousands to several million dollars. Consulting with a personal injury lawyer can help you comprehend the potential worth of your claim and navigate the legal system.
If You or Someone You Love Has Been Injured by a Drunk Driver in Dallas, TX, We Can Help
At Tate Law Offices P.C., we understand the devastating impact a drunk driving accident can have on your life and familiy. Our experienced attorneys are dedicated to helping you secure the compensation you deserve.
As a result of our work, we have earned many accolades. Tim Tate, for instance, is a member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum and has been recognized as one of the “Best Lawyers in Dallas” by D Magazine in the areas of Personal Injury (2011) and Tort & Product Liability (2012). We have also earned our clients’ trust. After all, our mission is not to earn accolades. It is to make our clients’ lives better.
You can trust Tate Law Offices, P.C., with your case. It all starts with a free consultation. If you believe that you or a loved one has been hurt by another’s negligence, feel free to talk with us.
