According to statistics from the Texas Department of Transportation, or TxDOT, DUI incidents are much more common around the holidays. Looking at the period between Dec. 1, 2016 and New Year’s Day, 2017, the TxDOT found a spike in DUI, or DWI (driving while intoxicated) accidents across the state.
The statistics released by the TxDOT found there were 2,321 DWI-related traffic collisions during the holiday season, 199 of which resulted in serious injuries and 82 in fatalities. During New Year’s Eve/Day specifically, they recorded 4,054 vehicle crashes. Out of these incidents, 171 resulted in serious injuries and 44 resulted in fatalities. Overall, the TxDOT reports that 1 out of every 4 accidents during the holidays involves drunk driving. Other research indicates that the total number of accidents increases by roughly 34% during the holidays, while the number of accident-related deaths increases by 38% and the number of accidents resulting in serious injury goes up by 34%.
This data comes on the heels of statistics released by the U.S. Department of Transportation, which has also found that alcohol-related accidents rise around the holidays. On New Year’s Day, the national average of DUI fatalities stemming from traffic accidents is around 46%. On Christmas Day, around 42% of traffic accidents resulting in fatalities were related to DUIs. Going further back, the average for Thanksgiving was slightly lower, with the amount of alcohol-related fatalities stemming from traffic collisions totaling about 41%.
Meanwhile, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports that DWI arrests were up on average in Fort Worth during 2017, with police making a particularly aggressive push to conduct DWI stops on New Year’s Eve. The year before, Texas Department of Public Safety troopers made a total of 439 DWI arrests in the 6-day period between Christmas and New Year’s.
With AAA estimating that 96.8 million Americans on average travel for Christmas every year, it is important to stay safe on the roads this holiday season. Avoid drinking and driving, and if you are arrested for DWI, make sure to hire a skilled criminal defense attorney to represent you.
DWI Assistance from The Alband Law Firm
If you have recently been arrested for a DWI, our Fort Worth defense lawyer at The Alband Law Firm can help. In the state of Texas, penalties for DWI can range anywhere from a $2,000 fine and 3-180 days in jail for first time offenses, to a $10,000 fine and 2-10 years in jail for repeat and felony offenses. DWI convictions can also lead to your license getting revoked and mandated appointments with a substance abuse program.
At The Alband Firm, we believe everyone is entitled to dedicated legal assistance. We handle everything from appeals to probation violations, crafting tailored defense strategies to work for each individual client. With over 100 tried cases before a jury, we are not afraid to fight for you in court. Our history of favorable case results speaks for itself, and our client testimonials reflect a philosophy of compassion and openness. If you need defense representation and live in Fort Worth or the surrounding area, hire a lawyer you can trust, hire The Alband Firm today.
Call now at (817) 997-4366 to schedule a case evaluation, or fill out our contact form online.