Information and resources related to Plano drunk driving accidents

Comprehensive Information and Legal Options for Plano, TX Drunk Driving Accident Victims

Collisions caused by drunk drivers are the most common kind of crash in Plano

It is common knowledge that car crashes happen every day, and sometimes result in fatalities, but what is truly shocking is the statistics that show how common drunk and drugged driving accidents are. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, in 2016 there were 20 fatalities and a total of 635 crashes caused by drunk drivers in Collin County alone. Across the state of Texas, there were 986 fatalities from crashes involving drunk drivers. These are staggering numbers to contemplate, and the economic cost to the crash victims, and to the government agencies responsible for responding to these collisions, runs in the billions of dollars per year.

What is the cost of car crashes to the government agencies in Texas?

According to the State of Texas Department of Transportation, the cost of motor vehicle accidents statewide was $38,600,000,000 in 2016. This is an extraordinary amount when you consider that in comparison, the annual cost to end world hunger is estimated to be $30,000,000,000. In this context, it is easy to see why Dallas and Texas government agencies work hard to improve safety and to reduce dangers on Plano streets.

Teen drivers and their passengers are at greater risk of being injured or killed in drunk driving crashes

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2015, 2,333 teens in the United States ages 16–19 were killed and 221,313 were treated in emergency departments for injuries suffered in motor vehicle crashes in 2014.That means that six teens ages 16–19 died every day from motor vehicle injuries across the nation. In Texas in 2016, 56 people died in crashes where the drunk driver was under the age of 21.

Why are teens particularly susceptible to injury and death from drunk driving crashes? 

Teens have less driving experience, and also have less experience with drinking alcohol, and the combination of these two factors is deadly. Also, the brains of teenagers are not yet fully developed, and their decision making and problem solving skills are immature. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, teen drivers are more likely to:

• ​Use cell phones while driving
• Speed
• Drive too fast for weather conditions
• Be susceptible to peer pressure
• Be distracted by passengers

What is being done to reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities caused by drunk drivers in Plano and across Texas?

Texas became the 25th state to pass an all-offender ignition interlock law in 2015, which has resulted in drunk driving deaths being decreased by 8.5%. According to Mothers Against Drunk Drivers, Texas can strengthen its current drunk driving laws by doing sobriety checkpoints and requiring ignition interlocks for any driver who refuses to do a chemical alcohol test.

If you have been injured in a car collision with a drunk driver, you will need a great Plano accident attorney to help

No matter how much we eradicate dangerous driving behaviors like drunk driving, distracted driving, speeding, and other actions that put Plano drivers at risk, car accidents will continue to happen. When a less serious crash happens, often someone can manage the insurance claim without help. When a serious injury car accident happens, or when a fatality occurs, it is crucial to get help from an experienced Mullen & Mullen Law Firm attorney.