Drunk driving deaths decreased by 8.5 percent in 2015 after Texas passed its ignition interlock law, according to MADD. However, drunk driving still caused 1,323 deaths in 2015—38 percent of all motor vehicle fatalities. Victims who do survive often suffer catastrophic injuries, such as traumatic brain injury, back and spinal injuries, paralysis, and internal organ damage. Even though drunk drivers can face criminal charges as well as be responsible for compensating their victims, some continue to drink and drive.
Types of Accidents Caused by Texas Intoxicated Drivers
Alcohol consumption—even in small quantities—can affect a driver’s judgment, coordination, reaction time, and more. The result is that a drunk driver makes poor decisions and causes preventable accidents. Some common types of accidents caused by drunk drivers include:
Head-on collisions.
Drunk drivers can become drowsy or fall asleep at the wheel, and veer into oncoming traffic in a head-on collision. In addition, alcohol reduces a person’s vision, ability to comprehend traffic signs and signals, and comprehension of the actions of other drivers, making this type of wreck a likely outcome.
Rear-end collisions.
A person’s ability to judge distances is impaired and his reaction time slowed when he is intoxicated. This can make him unable to react quickly enough when another driver slows down or stops quickly ahead of him. He can also incorrectly believe that he can safely slow down and stop when he can’t.
Pedestrian.
A drunk driver experiencing impaired vision may not see a pedestrian, especially at night, with the victim suffering catastrophic injuries or death.
Wrong-way wrecks.
Because an intoxicated driver cannot read and comprehend traffic signs competently, he may not even realize that he is driving the wrong way on a one-way street or entrance or exit to the highway.
Have You Or A Loved One Been Injured in Texas By A Drunk Driver?
If you've been injured by a drunk driver in Texas you need to speak with an experienced drunk driver injury attorney as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Colleyville office directly at 817.485.8888 to schedule your free consultation.
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