As a Fort Worth Car Accident Attorney, I am providing this update on drunk driving related car accidents and fatalities. These incredible statistics reveal why drunk driving is a major public policy issue.
According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving MADD, these are the statistics for 2010 for the State of Texas.
Rank: 45
3 time offenders: 124,662
5 time offenders: 18,271
DUI Fatalities: 1,235
% of total traffic deaths DUI related 40%
% of change in DUI fatalities from previous to current year: -6
State subsidy of drunk driving fatalities: $5.8 Billion
Summary:
- The Legislature rejected lifesaving interlock legislation and sobriety checkpoint legislation in 2009; MADD is working toward the 2011 session.
- Alcohol use in past month among persons aged 12 to 20: 26%
- Binge alcohol use in past month among persons aged 12 to 20: 17%
- Source: SAMHSA, Office of Applied Studies, National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 2007 and 2008.
We are following closely this local story involving a drunk Fort Worth police officer and the tragic car accident that he was involved in. Read full Fort Worth Star Telegram story here.
An accident investigator said a former Fort Worth police officer’s alcohol intoxication is to blame for a fatal car crash. Jesus Cisneros, a former undercover narcotics officer, is charged with intoxication manslaughter in the wrongful death of a 27-year-old mother.
Sonia Baker died in December when a Fort Worth issued SUV driven by Cisneros crashed into her. The SUV apparently was speeding at 76 mph in a busy residential area when it collided with Baker’s car. Baker could not have been able to avoid the accident, according to the investigators.
According to State Prosecutors, the crash came after Cisneros attended a birthday party for a fellow officer at a Fort Worth bar. Video that was recorded at the party show him drinking heavily.
