Why Are Drunk Driving Deaths Up While DUIs Are Down?

Every day, lives are torn apart by drivers who get behind the wheel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In 2022 alone, drunk driving killed 1,162 people in Texas. Statistics show a troubling pattern — while drunk driving deaths are on the rise, DUI arrests have decreased. According to the Wall Street Journal, the disparity may be explained by staffing shortages at law enforcement agencies and a reluctance to prioritize traffic stops in the wake of George Floyd’s killing, which sparked a criticism of policing nationwide. Whatever the reason, it’s clear that offenders aren’t being held accountable for their actions, which makes our roads less safe. 

Drunk Driving By The Numbers

The Wall Street Journal reports that about 13,500 people died in drunk driving-related crashes in 2022, which is a 33% increase from 2019. Drunk driving crashes began to increase in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic because people were more willing to take risks like drunk driving when roads were nearly empty. Additionally, police carried out fewer traffic stops during the pandemic because of public health concerns — making it less likely that a driver would get caught. 

According to FBI data, DUI arrests dropped from over a million in 2019 to 788,000 in 2022. Even though deaths are climbing, more arrests aren’t being made. DUI is one of the most common crimes in the U.S., with penalties varying depending on location and whether it’s an offender’s first citation. In Texas, a first offense carries a fine of up to $2,000, up to 180 days in jail, and a year license suspension. A second offense can result in a fine of up to $4,000, one month to a year in jail, and a license suspension of up to two years. A third offense carries a $10,000 fine, two to 10 years in prison, and a license suspension of up to two years. 

Research has found that one of the most effective ways to deter drunk drivers is to have them believe that they’ll get caught if they engage in reckless behavior. Traffic stops — which come with the threat of jail time and heavy fines — are one way to stop wrongdoers from acting poorly. The drunk driving problem is especially magnified in Texas, which Forbes ranks as the third worst state for drunk driving in the country. According to the study, 42.37% of traffic deaths are caused by drunk drivers. Additionally, Texas has the third-highest rate of drivers under 21 years old who are involved in fatal crashes. The Texas Department of Transportation regularly engages in public safety campaigns to remind the public about the dangers of drunk driving, but drivers still choose to drive intoxicated every day. One survey found that drunk drivers often get behind the wheel because they feel okay to drive — given that alcohol lowers inhibitions, it’s no surprise that a driver might misjudge their sobriety. Additional top reasons were drivers feeling confident because they weren’t too far from their destinations and did not have another way to get home. 

What To Do After a DUI Accident

Every 39 minutes, someone in the U.S. dies in a drunk driving accident. Thousands more suffer life-altering injuries — all because a driver made a poor decision. The aftermath of a drunk driving crash can feel overwhelming to navigate, especially when you’ve been injured through no fault of your own. Here are a few things you should do after a Texas car accident while on the scene and the days after.

Call The Police

You should call the police after any car accident, but it’s essential in the aftermath of a DUI accident if you suspect that the other driver is under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Once law enforcement officers arrive, they’ll assess the scene. If they deem it necessary, they’ll conduct field sobriety tests to determine whether someone is intoxicated. From there, they can charge a driver with a crime. 

Seek Medical Help

If your injuries are severe, you may leave the scene of an accident in an ambulance. But even if you suffered minor injuries, it’s crucial to seek medical attention as soon as you can — ideally, the same day as the crash. Some injuries aren’t apparent for days, and having a documented medical record will make it easier to prove that the collision caused your health complications.

Contact An Attorney

If you’ve been injured or tragically lost a loved one in a drunk driving crash, you should contact a Texas car wreck attorney who specializes in drunk driving accidents as soon as possible. Your life changed in an instant, and no one can restore what the drunk driver took from you, but an attorney can help you get compensation to aid in your recovery. The attorneys at The Cochran Firm Texas handle DUI cases across Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. We can help you navigate the often confusing process of the aftermath of a car accident. Call 800-843-3476 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.