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

Collisions caused by drunk drivers are the most common kind of crash in Midlothian and in Texas

Everyone knows that car crashes are common, 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 2018 in Texas there were 961 people killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes where a driver was under the influence of alcohol. This is 26% of the total number of people killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes. 

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

According to the CDC, the cost of motor vehicle accidents statewide was $5.7 billion in 2018. This is a staggering 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 Midlothian and Texas government agencies work hard to improve safety and to reduce dangers on the region's roadways.

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

According to Responsibility.org, the rate of under 21 alcohol-impaired driving fatalities per 100K population was 1.8, significantly higher than the national rate of 1.1.

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 American Academy of Adolescent and Child Psychology, 

Based on the stage of their brain development, adolescents are more likely to:

• act on impulse
• misread or misinterpret social cues and emotions
• get into accidents of all kinds
• get involved in fights
• engage in dangerous or risky behavior

Adolescents are less likely to:

• think before they act
• pause to consider the consequences of their actions
• change their dangerous or inappropriate behaviors

What is being done to reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities caused by drunk drivers in Midlothian 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 Midlothian accident attorney to help

No matter how much we eradicate dangerous driving behaviors like drunk driving, distracted driving, speeding, and other actions that put Midlothian 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 Midlothian drunk driving accident lawyer.