When Texans head out on the road, they should be aware of the potential dangers they might face. In recent years, distracted driving has come to the forefront of risks. This is understandable given the increasing attachment to cellphones. The temptation to check it is too much for many people even when they know they should not, especially behind the wheel. However, there are other, time-tested catalysts for auto accidents like drunk driving.
Study says Texas is 4th worst in nation for drunk drivers
Drivers getting behind the wheel after drinking or using drugs was and continues to be a problem nationwide. Particularly, Texas is facing a continuing challenge with drunk driving accidents, as evidenced by a recent study. The research, conducted by Buy Auto Insurance, reports that Texas has the dubious distinction of being fourth worst in this category. Using statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), researchers gauged how many road deaths occurred for every 100,000 residents of each state.
On average, the states with the worst numbers had nearly seven fatalities per that number of residents. In Texas, there were 7.76 drunk driving fatalities per 100,000 residents. Overall in the Long Star State, there were more than 5,100 drunk driving fatalities over the three years they analyzed. Mississippi was found to have the highest total of drunk driving fatalities with 8.77 per 100,000. South Carolina and New Mexico were the other states ahead of Texas.
After an auto accident, knowing its cause can be a key factor
With this information about drunk drivers combined with distracted drivers, drowsy drivers and reckless drivers, the state roads can be a treacherous place with motor vehicle accidents happening without warning. After an accident in which there are serious injuries or loss of life, those who were impacted will want answers. Knowing the details of the crash and how it happened requires a full investigation. If a driver behaved irresponsibly by driving drunk, this should be shown. Sometimes that goes beyond the police report and requires in-depth gathering of information. With medical costs, lost companionship, lost income and an uncertain future, it is wise to have advice in determining if it was due to a drunk driver and knowing what steps to take in the aftermath.
