While no state in the nation is free from drunk drivers, some states see more people get behind the wheel while under the influence of alcohol than others. In fact, Texas is one of the worst states in the nation in terms of the number of drunk drivers it has traveling its roadways, with drunk drivers posing a substantial safety threat, not only to themselves but to everyone they encounter.
Per the San Antonio Current, Texas ranked third in the nation for drunk driving, with only Montana and Wyoming having bigger problems with drunk drivers.
How bad the drunk driving problem is in Texas
Research shows that 40% of all traffic deaths that occurred in Texas between 2016 and 2020 were the result of motorists driving under the influence of alcohol. Furthermore, Texas ranked first in the nation in terms of the number of drivers under 21 who caused fatal drunk driving crashes within that same four-year span.
Some Texas cities and communities also ranked high in terms of the number of drunk drivers they have traveling their roads. In 2021, San Antonio was the fourth-worst city in the country for drunk driving.
How alcohol impacts driving ability
Alcohol impacts many aspects of an individual’s driving ability. Consuming alcohol has the potential to interfere with a motorist’s judgment and reaction time. It may, too, lead to drowsiness and fatigued driving. Drinking alcohol before getting behind the wheel may also affect a driver’s vision and coordination, among other notable risks.
Motorists who drink and drive and then cause injury to others may face sanctions as a result of their actions.