In Texas, auto accidents can happen for many reasons. In recent years, distracted driving has come to the forefront as a catalyst for accidents with injuries and fatalities. With fewer vehicles on the road since early 2020, drivers are taking liberties with the law, driving at excessive speeds and behaving recklessly. This too can cause a collision. Still, drivers who are under the influence are among the most dangerous on the road. A recent report found that Texas has achieved the ignominious distinction of reaching the top five in DUI severity.
DUIs are a major problem throughout Texas
According to driver’s education company Zutobi, researchers assessed the 10 worst states in which to drive. In the DUI category, Texas is now fifth in DUI severity with a score just shy of 70. The numbers came from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the FBI. For every 100,000 drivers in the Long Star State, there were 7.5 road deaths in a DUI collision. There were also 360 DUI arrests. Zutobi’s assessment is comparable to that of Buy Auto Insurance whose own study ranked Texas fourth with more than 5,100 DUI fatalities.
While it might not seem as if positives can be found with these worrisome numbers, there has been a marked improvement in DUIs and deaths from them. From 1985 to 2019, there was a 41% drop in DUI fatalities across the United States to 28%. That year, there were 44,000 traffic deaths with 18,000 due to a DUI. From 1995 to the present, DUI deaths have ranged from 9,900 to 13,500 annually. These assessments are designed to emphasize how risky it is to get behind the wheel under the influence. Still, it is a challenge to get people to take a cab, use a ride share app or to know when they have had too much to drink and should not get behind the wheel.
After an auto accident, knowing the cause is critical
Personal injury and death in an auto accident can have a far-ranging impact on many lives. People who are injured may be confronted with extensive medical bills, the need for long-term care and problems returning to their normal way of life. Family members may be tasked with helping care for an injured person with financial, personal and emotional ramifications. When there is a fatality, these challenges are exacerbated. If the accident was due to a DUI, this can be a key factor in how to proceed and knowing the options. Having advice from the start can be essential and may be fundamental to achieving a successful recovery.