Drunk driving continues to be a devastating issue across the United States, and Texas is no exception. 15 of the 75 cities with the highest rates of fatal drunk driving accidents nationwide are located right here in Texas. The San Antonio Current recently shared an article that supports the research of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) below.
“Breaking down the numbers, more than 42% of Texas’ traffic fatalities involve drunk drivers, and the state tallied 6.13 drunk driving deaths per 100,000 residents. What’s more, Texas’ rate of 10.08 drunk drivers involved in fatal crashes per 100,000 licensed drivers is nearly double the national average, according to the study.”
To create the rankings, the research is based on the number of drunk drivers involved in fatal accidents per 100,000 licensed drivers, fatalities per 100,000 residents, and the percentage of traffic deaths caused by drivers with a BAC of 0.08 or higher.
These alarming statistics emphasize the need for increased awareness, stricter enforcement, and stronger legal representation for victims of drunk driving accidents. At Mission Injury Law, we’re committed to helping victims and their families seek justice and compensation in the wake of these tragic accidents. Let’s take a closer look at the top Texas cities that have been disproportionately affected by drunk driving fatalities.
Drunk Driving Statistics in Texas
According to the NHTSA, Texas consistently ranks among the states with the highest number of fatal drunk driving accidents. The combination of long highways, busy urban centers, and the unfortunate decision to drive under the influence has led to Texas being overrepresented in nationwide statistics. In 2022 alone, Texas saw over 1,200 fatalities related to drunk driving. This accounted for nearly 25% of all traffic fatalities in the state, making Texas one of the leading states in the U.S. for drunk driving deaths.
Alarmingly, three Texas cities are listed among the top 10 cities in the nation for drunk driving fatalities, highlighting a pervasive issue across both rural and urban areas.
National Ranking: 3 Texas Cities in the Top 10
Of the 10 cities with the highest rates of fatal drunk driving accidents in the nation, three are located in Texas. This staggering statistic reflects the ongoing challenge the state faces in combatting the dangers of drunk driving:
- Odessa, TX – Odessa tops the list in Texas, as well as the entire nation. Its relatively smaller population makes its high rate of fatalities particularly concerning.
- Midland, TX – As a neighboring city to Odessa, Midland is not far behind in drunk driving fatalities, contributing to the alarming numbers in West Texas.
- Dallas, TX – As one of Texas’ largest cities, Dallas faces significant issues with drunk driving, particularly on its heavily trafficked highways.
Top 10 Texas Cities with the Highest Drunk Driving Fatalities
In addition to the national leaders, Texas is home to several other cities that rank alarmingly high in terms of drunk driving deaths. Here’s a closer look at the top 10 Texas cities, according to the NHTSA Fatality & Injury Reporting System Tool:
- Odessa, TX – With its combination of busy oil industry traffic and local bars, Odessa leads Texas in drunk driving fatalities.
- Midland, TX – Close behind Odessa, Midland suffers from similar issues, with many drunk driving accidents occurring on the highways that connect these two cities.
- Dallas, TX – A major metropolitan hub, Dallas experiences a significant number of drunk driving accidents, particularly during late-night hours.
- Houston, TX – As the largest city in Texas, Houston is no stranger to drunk driving fatalities, which are particularly common on its sprawling network of highways.
- Lubbock, TX – This West Texas city has seen a troubling rise in fatal drunk driving accidents, particularly among young drivers.
- Lewisville, TX – A suburban city near Dallas, Lewisville has seen a surprising number of fatal drunk driving accidents, largely due to its proximity to major highways.
- San Antonio, TX – As one of Texas’ most populous cities, San Antonio has seen a steady rise in drunk driving fatalities, particularly around popular tourist areas.
- Beaumont, TX – Beaumont’s location near the Louisiana border makes it a frequent stopping point for long-haul drivers, contributing to its high rate of drunk driving accidents.
- Arlington, TX – Located between Dallas and Fort Worth, Arlington has a high number of fatalities, particularly on game days at its major sports venues.
- Irving, TX – Another city in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Irving sees a high rate of drunk driving fatalities due to its busy highways and proximity to bars.
These cities represent just a fraction of the problem in Texas, where fatal drunk driving accidents remain a persistent threat to public safety.
The Impact of Drunk Driving in Texas
The consequences of drunk driving extend far beyond the immediate loss of life. Families are torn apart, and survivors are often left dealing with the physical and emotional aftermath. Medical bills, rehabilitation, lost wages, and the trauma of losing a loved one are just a few of the challenges faced by victims.
Seeking Justice and Compensation
As personal injury attorneys based in San Antonio, we have extensive experience handling cases related to drunk driving accidents. Our goal is to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve while holding negligent drivers accountable for their actions. We fight for:
- Medical expenses and rehabilitation costs
- Compensation for lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Wrongful death claims for families who have lost loved ones
Mission Injury Law understands the devastating impact these accidents have on Texans, and we’re here to help. We believe that no one should have to bear the financial and emotional burden of an accident that could have been prevented. Our team will be by your side through every step of the legal process.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a drunk driving accident, or if you’ve tragically lost a family member due to someone else’s reckless decision to drive under the influence, we offer compassionate and professional legal representation.
Contact Mission Injury Law today to schedule your free consultation.
Phone: (210) 202-4030
Website: missioninjurylaw.com