In spite of stricter driving-while-intoxicated laws and
don’t-drink-and-drive educational campaigns, Texas still leads the
nation in the number of alcohol-related traffic fatalities. In
2007, 1,485 motorists died on Texas roadways in alcohol-related
crashes. Not all were the drunk drivers. Most were
innocent victims.
Based on an analysis of
Texas crash data since 2001, during December, more than 27,000
traffic crashes will injure 20,000 people and kill around 335 more
in Texas. About 150 of those fatal crashes will involve someone who
is
drinking.
Drunk driving statistics
have shown some improvement. In 1982, 2,801 of our fellow citizens
died in alcohol-related crashes. The lowest number of
alcohol-related crashes was reported in 2006, when 1,544 people lost
their lives on Texas roadways.
The percentage of traffic
fatalities was highest in 1982 as well, with 66 percent. That
number dropped to its lowest level in 2006, when 45 percent of
traffic fatalities were alcohol-related.
The penalty for a first
driving while intoxicated (DWI) offense is a Class B Misdemeanor,
punishable by up to a $2,000 fine and/or three to 180 days in jail
plus a driver’s license suspension from 90 to 365 days.
A second DWI offense
within 10 years is a Class B Misdemeanor punishable by up to a
$4,000 fine and/or 30 days to one year in jail, plus a driver’s
license suspension of 180 days to two years.
A third conviction for DWI
carries a $10,000 fine and/or jail for two to 10 years and a
driver’s license suspension for 180 days to two years.
In addition to fines,
other costs associated with a drunk driving conviction may add up to
more than $10,000 for bail, legal fees, court appearances,
court-ordered classes and vehicle insurance increases.
Why should there be a second offense or more? People's lives
are in danger. Once they are gone, they are gone forever.
Why allow someone o send another person to an early grave, who is
loved by family and friends and who will never have another day of
life?