New Study: Rates of Drunk and Drugged Driving Are Dropping in Texas

A new government survey has found that the number of Americans who have driven drunk or drugged is declining.  According to the study, 13.2 percent of all persons ages 16 or older drove under the influence of alcohol and 4.3 percent of these drivers drove under the influence of illicit drugs in the past year.  Between 2002 and 2005, the drunk driving rate was 14.6%.  The rate for driving drugged in the same time period was 4.8%
 
The survey also provides a state-by-state tally of drunk and drugged driving.  WhileTexas has the largest number of drunk driving accidents, the drunk driving rate in Texas was close to average at 13.9% for 2006-2009. Wisconsin and North Dakota topped the list of drunk driving states with rates of 23.7% and 22.4%.  
 
The rate in Texas was 15.4% for 2002-2005.
 
Despite the drop, every year, 30 million people drive drunk and another 10 million drive while under the influence of drug. Nearly one-third of all traffic deaths involve drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
 
The Cowen Law Group works to protect the rights of victims of drunk driving. If you have lost a loved on to a  
Texas highway accident caused by a drunk driver, you are entitled to monetary compensation for your loss.  This won’t replace your loved one, but it can help you get accountability. To learn more, contact the Brownsville car accident attorneys at The Cowen Law Group at 877-385-1282.