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DUI STATISTICS IN TEXAS

The Linder Firm July 23, 2021

Driving a car is a necessary part of modern life, but when people drink before they drive, it becomes a serious crime. DUI accidents claim the lives of thousands of people in our communities every year and can result in hefty fines, as well as serious jail time. Consider the following statistics related to drunk driving in Texas to learn more about the communities it affects.

What Constitutes a DUI?

In order to safely drive a car, your blood alcohol level must be below the legal maximum of .08. You may be surprised how easy it is to reach that benchmark — depending on your weight, gender, and the amount of food in your stomach, even just two or three drinks could be too much.

That’s why it’s always best to let a sober friend drive you home if you’ve been drinking. You can also call a taxi, Uber, or Lyft if you don’t have a designated driver available. Even if you feel completely in control, it doesn’t mean that your focus and reflexes are sharp enough for you to drive. In a situation when you’re on the fence or questioning if you’re sober enough to drive, remember that it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

What’s the Typical Penalty for a DUI in Texas?

The severity of DUI penalties increases with each offense. The first offense is a misdemeanor that carries a potential fine of up to $10,000. You’ll also likely have your license suspended for a year or more. If you’re a recurring DUI offender, you’ll likely go to prison for up to ten years.

Important DUI Statistics

The most important and eye-opening statistic regarding DUI offenses in the state of Texas is that someone is hurt or killed in a drunk driving accident every 20 minutes. This shows how serious the problem is and why it’s so important to educate people about it. While driving after having a few drinks may seem like a casual mistake, it can literally be a matter of life and death.

Some other important DUI statistics for the state of Texas include:

  • More fatal drunk driving accidents than any other state in the U.S.

  • Over 1,000 deaths in DUI accidents every year

  • 23.2% of Texans admit to driving drunk at least once in their lives

  • More than 90,000 arrests each year for DUI charges

  • At least 38% of all fatal traffic crashes involve a drunk driver

  • Approximately one-third of DUI fatalities impact someone aged 21 or younger

Call Our Dallas Attorney

If you’ve been arrested for a DUI offense, you may feel like your life is over — but thankfully, it doesn’t have to be. Our attorney Phillip A. Linder can provide the experienced and aggressive defense you need to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.

With over 25 years of representing clients behind him, he possesses an intimate knowledge of Texas state law that will help ensure your legal rights are protected. Contact our Dallas office today and put your future in safe hands.