Avoid Drunk Driving in 2022
The New Year is a time to celebrate and spend time with friends. On New Year’s, you can put the last year behind you and welcome the upcoming year with a fresh start.
With all of the celebrations bringing in 2022, you may be tempted to let loose and forget about your responsibilities when it comes to driving. Unfortunately, doing so can result in severe drunk driving accidents and fatalities.
Read on to learn why drunk driving is so dangerous from your Edinburg car accident attorneys, and remember that drinking and driving is never worth the risk.
Drunk Driving Statistics
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 28 people die in the U.S. every day in drunk-driving crashes. Although the number of deaths each year is slowly decreasing, nearly 10,000 people are still dying each year.
In Texas, 963 people were killed in drunk-driving crashes in 2020. Another 2,114 individuals were seriously injured in Texas drunk driving crashes. Due to the decision that some people make to get behind the wheel while drunk, thousands are killed and injured each year.
Texas Drunk Driving Laws
In Texas, you are legally considered intoxicated when your blood alcohol concentration is 0.08%. However, even if your blood alcohol concentration has not reached that level, you are still breaking the law if drugs or alcohol have affected your driving. The penalties for driving while intoxicated are as follows:
First Offense
Up to a $2,000 fine
Up to 180 days in jail upon conviction
Loss of driver license up to a year
Second Offense
Up to a $4,000 fine
One month to a year in jail upon conviction
Loss of driver license up to two years
Third Offense
A $10,000 fine
Two to ten years in jail upon conviction
Loss of driver license up to two years
In addition to these charges, you could also be subject to state fines that are assessed once you’ve been sentenced. If you are arrested for drunk driving while there is a child passenger in your vehicle, you can face fines, jail time, loss of license, and a charge of child endangerment.
What Can You Do To Avoid Driving While Intoxicated?
Under the influence of alcohol, it can be difficult to make clear, responsible decisions. That’s why it’s essential that you plan ahead of time if you intend to drink somewhere other than your own home. Don’t ruin your celebration and possibly your life by failing to take your ride home or place to sleep into account.
1. Arrange a Ride Ahead of Time
The most effective way to avoid drunk driving is to arrange a ride ahead of time. Numerous ride-share services are available along with cabs, your friends, or other public transportation. Before the night gets started, hand your keys over to a trusted friend and get your ride situated. Make sure to check that the public transportation in your area continues service late into the night if you plan on taking a bus home.
2. Wait Three Hours Before Driving
In order to properly sober up, give your body time to process any alcohol you’ve drank. For your liver to lower your blood alcohol concentration, you’ll need to wait one hour for each drink that you’ve had. If the celebration is winding down, but you haven’t had enough time to sober up, don’t take the risk by leaving early. You can stay back and help clean up, get something to eat, or sit down and enjoy a movie.
3. Abstain From Drinking For The Night
If you’re wanting a sure-fire way to avoid driving while intoxicated, you can take a night off from drinking. You can enjoy an alcohol-free night with friends or even offer to be the designated driver. There are multiple mocktails you can make to still feel included in the night’s festivities, and your loved ones will appreciate your decision to help everyone stay safe.
Keep Yourself Protected in the New Year With Bobby Garcia
Driving while drunk is dangerous for both yourself and everyone else on the road. With the New Year upon us, many are looking forward to a fresh start. Unfortunately, a drunk driving accident can seriously damage both your physical and financial situation. If you’re choosing to drink, make the responsible decision and avoid driving while intoxicated.
Reach out to your Edinburg car accident attorneys at the Law Office of Bobby Garcia if you’ve been involved in a drunk-driving accident and are looking for compensation. Our experienced attorneys can help you with your claim and get you the financial relief you deserve.