As reported by the Dallas Morning News at a meeting of the National Transportation Safety board, it was noted that Texas is ranked as one of the top 10 states that have done the least to prevent alcohol-related traffic fatalities. The state has only implemented 4 out of 11 of the federal agency's recommendations to terminate "hard core" drunken driving. Texas is known for having one of the highest proportions of drunken driving deaths in the country
In the year 2009, there were a total of 3,071 deaths just alone from alcohol related accidents in the Plano/Dallas area, which involved drivers with a blood-alcohol concentration of 0.15 or greater. Over 40 percent of all crashes in the state involved a drunk driver, the fifth highest rate in the country. "The number of deaths associated with drunk driving is far too high, completely unacceptable and should not be tolerated," said NTSB (National Transportation Safety Board) member Mark Rosekind.
Some advocates have suggested that they lower the limit for legal blood-alcohol levels when driving. There has also been discussion on taking the driver's licenses away for the first DWI offense. Out of the 11 recommendations, Texas is currently acting on 4 recommendations. The NTSB considers adoption of 8 to be an acceptable response.
A top priority for Texas should be implementing sobriety checkpoints, which some studies have shown can reduce deaths by as much as 20 percent. "When people in the community know that checkpoints are being done, they find another way," said Jim Fell, a researcher on alcohol and safety for the Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation. "The either don't drink as much or take a cab home or get a friend to take them home. So it's a very effective strategy." Currently 38 other states have successfully implemented sobriety checkpoints. It is very unfortunate that alcohol can cause such chaos, but hopefully in the future more actions will be taken to reduce alcohol-related car wrecks to provide a better future.
If you or someone you know was a victim of an alcohol related crash you should look for an experienced attorney immediately. The time after an accident is critical and stressful. At Barbieri Law Firm, our experienced attorney is devoted to helping those in need of assistance after a wreck. Our office will fight to recover your damages and losses. Heather J. Barbieri has had many successful outcomes which resulted in the recovery of damages and financial loss. Please do not hesitate to give our office a call 972-424-1902. I have a full-time staff to provide my clients with the most personal service as possible.
