Brian White | June 28, 2019 | Auto Accidents
It’s the Fourth of July Weekend. You are relaxing by the pool with close family and friends. You can smell the barbecue and the aftermath of the fireworks. However, it is now time to go home. You and your family pack-up everything and get in the car. You’re on the way home when suddenly, you’re struck by a drunk driver. Now what?
According to the Texas Department of Transportation, approximately every 20 minutes, someone is either hurt or killed in a car crash involving alcohol. [i] In 2017 alone, Texas had 1,468 driving fatalities in which alcohol was involved.[ii] During that same year, the United States had 10,874 people killed in alcohol related crashes.[iii]
That is one person every 48 minutes dying due to a preventable crash.[iv] Many of these fatalities involved innocent people whose lives were taken due to a person’s decision to get behind the wheel while intoxicated, a decision that could have been prevented.
A Dangerous Holiday
As we approach the Fourth of July Holiday, it is important to be aware of not only your decisions but also the decisions of others on the road. The Independence Day Holiday is one of the most dangerous holiday weekends of the year, ranking as the highest in average daily crash deaths. [v] In Texas, the average DUI-related accidents skyrocket to 41% during the Fourth of July.[vi]
Of course, it is not surprising that Houston being one of the four largest cities in Texas, it carries some of the highest numbers of alcohol related crashes and deaths. During the 2018 Fourth of July weekend, there were 22 alcohol related crashes in Harris County alone and 245 in Texas overall.[vii]
The Consequences
In Texas, a person is considered intoxicated when they have a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 or higher. At this point, a person getting behind the wheel of a vehicle is considered to be driving under the influence of alcohol.
So, what are the consequences of getting behind the wheel after drinking a few beers?
Getting behind the wheel while intoxicated or even slightly “buzzed” can have major consequences:
- Driver’s license suspension;
- A fine of at least $2,000;
- Jail time;
- Injury to yourself or others; and/or
- Death.
Plan Ahead
Driving while under the influence can be easily prevented. If you know you are going to be drinking, give your keys to someone you can trust; designate a driver who you know will be sober; spend the night where you are if possible; or call a ride-share service.
Failure to plan ahead can come with heavy consequences as listed above. Attorney Brian White and Associates have seen these consequences firsthand. These consequences leave cars mangled and innocent people seriously injured or even dead.
Although you are able to plan ahead for yourself, you cannot plan ahead for others celebrating during the holiday weekend. It is important to be aware of others on the road, especially during this the Fourth of July Holiday. Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers knows how important it is to keep the public safe and the roads clear of intoxicated drivers. We have successfully handled many crashes involving a defendant who was driving while intoxicated.
At Attorney Brian White and Associates, alcohol-related crashes are one of our specialties. It is important to hire the right lawyer who knows how to gather important evidence before it disappears, explain to you your rights, and get you what you deserve.
Contact the Houston Car Accident Lawyers at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers For Help
For more information, contact the Houston car accident law firm of Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers by calling (713) 500-5000.
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Houston, TX 77098
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