Drivers suffering from intoxication could lose control of a vehicle and hit another car or a pedestrian. The driver may travel at an unsafe speed, causing substantial impact when colliding. A driver might be so disoriented that they do not stop at the impact point, further increasing any inflicted injury’s severity. Such behaviors may factor into the high number of drunk driving deaths in Texas.
Fatal drunk driving statistics
Driving under the influence contributes to a substantial number of annual accident fatalities. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), roughly one-third of all fatal accidents result from drunk driving. Individual statistics might vary from state to state, but drunk driving remains dangerous on all roads throughout the United States.
The NHTSA notes a decline in fatal drunk driving accidents over the past several years. Regardless, many people will face arrest for driving under the influence. The arrest could result in the defendant facing many charges.
DUI charges
Anyone involved in a fatal DUI incident could look at a lengthy prison sentence for manslaughter. They could be other charges the person faces, and compelling evidence might make a guilty verdict challenging to avoid. Plea bargaining could be in the defendant’s best interests.
If the police pull a drunk driver over before an accident, the person might deal with only the DUI offense. The offense is still severe, and someone with previous convictions could look at heavy fines and jail time. Still, the defendant has an opportunity to defend themselves.
The police only sometimes follow proper procedures when conducting a DUI stop. A lack of probable cause or failure to calibrate a breathalyzer correctly might hurt the prosecution’s case. A defendant could point out any violations or improprieties in court.