You've heard it all before: drinking and driving are never a good mix. Everyone knows it, and yet thousands of people die in alcohol-fueled crashes every year. Sadly, DUIs are common all over the country, but how big is this problem in the Lone Star State? Let's look at the latest statistics from Texas.
Texas Drunk Driving Statistics
The newest data on Texas traffic crashes, injuries, and deaths is finally in. Unfortunately, it's bleak:
More drivers got behind the wheel legally drunk in 2023 compared to the year before.
1,162 people died in 2022 in crashes involving a drunk driver, 2% more than in 2021.
Alcohol-fueled crashes injured a whopping 14,157 people in 2022.
Of all traffic deaths in 2022, 26% were tied to drunk driving.
42% of all drivers killed on Texas roads in 2022 had high blood alcohol levels.
Texas had the second-highest rate of drunk drivers involved in fatal crashes in the entire country in 2023.
Drivers aged between 21 and 25 in urban areas were responsible for the most DUI deaths in 2022.
Surprisingly enough, there is a silver lining hiding in these sad statistics: overall traffic deaths fell 2.6% in 2023. It's a small victory, but it's worth celebrating.
DUI Laws in Texas
The Lone Star State has some of the strictest laws on drinking and driving. For starters, there's a no-tolerance policy on drinking and driving for anyone under 21. Even one drink is too much.
Second, the legal Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08% in Texas. Anything above that is considered legally drunk — no matter if the driver says they "don't feel drunk." What's more, even drivers with a legal BAC can be charged with driving under the influence if alcohol interferes with their driving.
As you can guess from this tough stance, DUIs have harsh penalties in Texas.
First Offense
You may receive a fine of up to $2,000.
You could be sentenced to 180 days in jail if you are convicted, and at least three days are mandatory.
You may lose your driver's license for up to one year.
Second Offense
You may receive a fine of up to $4,000.
You can be sentenced anywhere from one month to a year in jail.
You could lose your driver's license for up to two years
Third Offense
You'll have to pay a $10,000 fine.
You may receive a prison sentence of anywhere from two to 10 years.
You will lose your driver's license for up to two years.
Additional Penalties for DUIs in Texas
That's not all. Drivers convicted of a DUI face even more consequences.
Extra Charges and Fines
DUIs are one of the most expensive Texas traffic tickets and violations. During sentencing, judges can impose a $3,000, $4,500, or $6,000 fine — plus court fees.
Things get even worse for drivers caught driving while drunk with a child under the age of 15 in the car. They can be:
Charged with child endangerment.
Fined up to $10,000.
Sent to jail for up to two years.
Prohibited from driving for an additional 180 days.
More Expensive Auto Insurance
Car insurance gets 70% more expensive for drivers with a DUI conviction on their record, on average. You could expect to pay almost $1,500 extra per year for the most basic policy out there.
Indirect Costs
Getting a Texas driver's license back after a DUI conviction is hard and expensive. Not only do drivers have to pay the $125 reinstatement fee and all other pending court and processing fees, but they may also have to pay for an Ignition Interlock Device.
Become a Safer Driver in Texas to Save Lives and Money
Texas lawmakers introduce new bills every year to make roads safer. Now, it's time for drivers to do their part. Defensive driving classes help you save lives. They'll catch you up on new traffic laws, explain the dangers of impaired driving, and teach you how to handle dangerous situations behind the wheel. Plus, these short and engaging classes can even save you money with an auto insurance discount!
Ready to make a difference? Enroll in an online defensive driving course to become an even better driver.
Updated 08/22/24
