Harris County is No. one in many people’s books — but the county is also on the top of the list for holiday drunken driving fatalities. According to the Houston Chronicle, there were more than 130 drunken driving accidents over the 2011 holiday period, including six that involved fatalities. During that same period, almost 450 people were charged with DWI. Harris County law enforcement agencies are taking these numbers to heart and hoping to prevent similar figures this year.
“I don’t use the word ‘accident’ because it’s 100 percent preventable,” said John McName, executive director for Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD)’s southeast Texas region.
Increased enforcement and greater awareness of the dangers of driving drunk can help reduce such accidents.
Nearly $300,000 in state grant money will go towards putting additional DWI patrol units on the streets through New Year’s Day. This should allow for about 50 additional units in the Houston area — all looking to catch people drinking and driving.
“Around Christmas and New Year’s, our patrol units will be in ‘DWI mode’ in the evenings and early mornings,” said Harris County Sheriff Adrian Garcia. “They will be on the lookout for drunken driving and focus on making arrests when appropriate.”
Drunken drivers aren’t the only ones causing accidents over the holidays. Traffic in general increases, and many people are in a rush to get to their holiday destinations. Speed, distracted driving, and even aggressive driving can contribute to holiday accidents.
More people on the road means more potential for accidents, and with gas prices lower this holiday season, we can expect to see more people traveling over the coming days.
By remaining sober, taking your time, wearing your seatbelt and being vigilant while behind the wheel, you can do your part to prevent a serious car accident. But even the safest drivers are sometimes involved in accidents.
If you are hurt in an accident that isn’t your fault, you could be stuck with injuries and medical bills you shouldn’t be responsible for.
Houston Auto Accident Attorney
As a Houston car accident lawyer, I represent people who are hurt in accidents caused by other drivers. Whether you were hit by a drunken driver or rear ended at a red light, I may be able to help. Call 713-588-0821 today.
