The Houston drunk driving accident lawyers at Steven M. Lee P.C. want to bring awareness to when drunk driving accidents more commonly occur to help you protect yourself and those you love. Below, we offer 15 drunk driving statistics and facts in Houston.
Houstonians who drive drunk may cause devastating impacts on the lives of the people they injure and those around them. Injuries sustained in a drunk driving accident are preventable, and seeking compensation for damages from another person’s negligence is your legal right.
Is Drunk Driving a Problem in Houston?
Drivers throughout the state should remain vigilant of others who travel Texas highways. According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), approximately 89 Texans lose their lives each month as a result of crashes involving alcohol. While these statistics paint a broader picture of drunk driving statistics in Texas, how do the numbers translate in Houston?
Recent statistics on DUI (alcohol) involved crashes by county indicate that DUI alcohol-involved crashes in Harris County reached 3,338 annual DUI incidents. With the inclusion of Brazoria, Galveston, Montgomery, and Waller counties in the Greater Houston region, there were 4,665 alcohol-related crashes. According to the report, driving while impaired remains a monumental challenge to every driver on Houston roadways.
Who Suffers the Most Fatalities in Houston Drunk Driving Accidents?
Drivers under 40 are most likely to suffer an alcohol-related fatality in Houston. In Harris County, annual fatality rates by age are as follows:
- Drivers 21-25: 34 deaths
- Drivers 31-35: 30 fatalities
- Drivers under 21 and ages 26-30: 19 deaths in each group
A fatality does not have to occur to experience the significant impact of drunk driving. Houston drivers experience high rates of alcohol crashes resulting in injuries as well:
- Fatalities accounted for 88 lives
- Serious injuries impacted 111 individuals
- Minor or possible injuries are suspected in 1114 individuals
Thousands of individuals experience the devastating consequences of drunk driving in Houston each year. Some sustain injuries in a drunk driving accident, while others experience the wrongful death of a loved one because of a drunk driver’s negligence. No matter your situation, our Houston car accident attorneys will compassionately walk you through the legal process, working to restore your financial well-being.
Facts About Drunk Driving in Houston and Texas
Alcohol and drugs are a factor in over 37% of Texas traffic fatalities based on a ten-year reporting period, according to a TxDOT report. Specific demographics, along with identified days and times of the week, have a higher incidence of crashes involving impaired driving. Data on drunk driving provides the following facts:
- Most fatalities occur on Saturday and Sunday between two and three a.m.
- Males between the ages of 19 and 35 account for the highest number of drunk driving crash fatalities.
- The months of July and August experienced the highest number of fatal crashes due to drunk driving.
- A reversal of the downward trend in DUI crashes following COVID shutdowns was the result of an increase in DUI fatalities following this period.
- Over 37% of fatally injured drivers in Texas had a BAC of 0.080 or higher
- Harris County ranks as one of the highest in the U.S. for impaired traffic fatalities.
- Impairment is the 2nd highest contributor to traffic deaths and injuries in Houston.
Motorists are not the only individuals experiencing the impact of drunk driving. Houston pedestrians, bicyclists, electric scooter drivers, and rideshare passengers are not immune to the dangers of drunk driving. Our personal injury experience allows us to apply local and state laws to your case to maximize your financial recovery.
What Are the Signs of a Drunk Driver?
Alcohol may remove inhibitions, causing drunk drivers to act erratically. Report a suspected drunk driver in Houston by calling 911 or the motorist’s helpline printed on the back of a Texas driver’s license. Behaviors that may indicate a drunk driver or the potential for a drunk driving incident include:
- Concerning behavior by a restaurant or bar patron, such as stumbling, inappropriate actions or comments, or confusion after consuming alcohol
- Drivers who change lanes abruptly and fail to signal
- Motorists traveling at excessive or significantly reduced speeds
- Drivers exhibiting poor judgment by pulling out in front of other vehicles or following too closely
- Motorists swerving or making other erratic movements on roadways
Distance yourself from a suspected driver as much as possible. More vulnerable road users should always remain diligent about their surroundings. Even when you have the right-of-way, watch other vehicles to identify potential threats.
How a Houston Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Can Help You
Evidence is critical in any personal injury claim. A criminal case against a drunk driver does not constitute a personal injury case that compensates you for the damages resulting from negligence. While you focus on recovery, a Houston drunk driving accident lawyer will focus on securing critical evidence that proves your injuries are the result of another person’s actions.
Our team of experienced accident and injury attorneys in Houston will begin working to secure the following evidence when it exists:
- Medical or police records showing the impaired driver’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC)
- Footage from security cameras and highway cameras capturing drunk driving behaviors
- Witness testimony
- Photos indicating drunk driving resulted in your injuries
- Cell phone records and black box data
Time-sensitive evidence may play a pivotal role in a Houston drunk driving case. Having an advocate on your side as soon as possible can help alleviate some of the overwhelm accompanying a drunk driving car crash in Houston. Our fast response may also support a better financial outcome in your case as we tirelessly work to ensure evidence-based representation for you.
Your Right to Seek Compensation in a Drunk Driving Wrongful Death Claim
One of the most challenging situations to navigate is the death of a loved one. Our Houston wrongful death lawyers will explain potentially available compensation and can assist beneficiaries and surviving family members in seeking damages covered under the Texas wrongful death and survival statutes.
A drunk driving crash may cause significant suffering to your loved one before succumbing to their injuries. We will relentlessly fight for whatever damages are allowed under the law and within the statute of limitations. A free case review allows you to take action as soon as possible while committing you to nothing other than access to compassionate legal counsel.
Failing to file a civil action for personal injury, wrongful death car accidents, or survival within the appropriate time limits can cost you and your loved ones financial recovery. We are ready to effectively navigate the legal challenges you are up against to seek the optimal outcome. While most individuals have two years to file a claim, other factors can extend or limit that time. Our Houston Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers are on Your Side
Get Help After a Drunk Driving Crash From Attorney Steven M. Lee
No one expects to be the victim of a drunk driving crash. However, these accidents are a cause for concern and swift legal action if you or someone you love suffers injuries and costly damages. The Houston drunk driving accident lawyers at Steven M. Lee P.C. can comprehensively evaluate your case, helping maximize your recovery and financial compensation.
We are ready to act when your health is on the line. Contact us for a free consultation today.