Thousands are injured or killed in drunk driving accidents in Texas every year. An estimated one in four traffic fatalities are caused by drunk drivers, and that number rises to 28% during the holidays.
That’s why the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is once again launching its Drive Sober. No Regrets” campaign. Throughout December, TxDOT will bring its mobile interactive exhibit to Walmart stores in the state, talking to shoppers and reminding them of the dangers of mixing alcohol with driving.
“It’s not okay to drink and drive,” said TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams. "It’s not OK for a friend or family member to go through the death of a loved one at the hands of people who are drinking and driving. It’s always possible to find a safe and sober ride home, so make it a priority any time you drink.”
Alcohol use impairs driving ability
Safe driving requires several physical and mental skills. But drinking:
- Slows reaction time: Alcohol delays the brain's ability to process information, causing slower reflexes and delayed responses to hazards.
- Reduces coordination: Impaired motor skills make it difficult to steer, brake, or accelerate effectively.
- Blurs vision: Alcohol affects eye muscle control, leading to blurred or double vision, and reduces peripheral vision.
- Distorts judgment: It impairs decision-making abilities, increasing the likelihood of taking risks or misjudging traffic situations.
- Affects concentration: Alcohol reduces focus, making it harder to stay attentive to road signs, other vehicles, and changing conditions.
- Increases drowsiness: Even small amounts of alcohol can make a driver feel fatigued, increasing the risk of falling asleep at the wheel.
- Lowers inhibitions: Drivers may engage in reckless behaviors, such as speeding or ignoring traffic laws, due to a false sense of confidence.
The impact on drunk driving accident victims
Drunk driving accidents can have devastating effects on victims, often leaving them with severe physical injuries and long-term health consequences. These accidents can result in traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, or internal organ injuries, which may require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation. In the most severe cases, they can result in fatalities.
For many victims and their loved ones, the road to recovery is prolonged and painful, often involving surgeries, physical therapy, and ongoing medical care. In some cases, injuries are permanent, leading to lifelong disabilities that affect overall quality of life. Beyond the physical toll, victims may also face significant financial burdens, including mounting medical bills and lost wages.
However, holding drivers accountable for the damages they cause can be more challenging than many people think. Drunk drivers often refuse to accept responsibility for the accidents that happen. Insurance companies dispute the severity of injuries or may offer a settlement that falls far short of covering all of the damages suffered, even if it's clear who was responsible for the crash.
Our attorneys are ready to fight for you
If you or a loved one was hurt in an accident caused by a drunk driver, Hoover Rogers Law, LLP can help. Attorneys Benjamin Hoover and Grant Rogers treat clients as individuals, not case files. We want to know how your injuries have impacted your life and what we can do to help you get justice.
Our firm investigates your crash and builds strong cases that insurance companies have to take seriously. Our case results include a $400,000 verdict for the victim of a highway crash. We are committed to helping you recover the maximum financial compensation you deserve.
Learn more about how we can help. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation, and let us protect your rights.
“I hired Grant to represent me when I was rear-ended by a drunk driver. Grant … always made time for me when I had a question or concern. I know mine wasn't a large case for him, but I still received quality service.” – Tim,⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐