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Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Texas legislature slow to move on proposed DWI laws


Several new bills aimed at reducing the number of DWI accidents on Texas roads are moving slowly through the Texas Legislature this session. The slow movement could mean the bills have little chance of becoming laws this year.

Texas leads the nation in alcohol-related fatalities. Of the 3,016 Texas road fatalities in 2011, 1,213 or 40 percent were alcohol-related. In comparison, California, with approximately 12 million more residents than Texas, had only 774 alcohol-related driving fatalities in the same year.

Despite the problem, Texas has not been quick to pass tougher DWI laws in the current session.
Organizations like MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) have long called for Texas to include more sobriety checkpoints and even require ignition interlocks in the vehicles of DWI offenders. Such devices would prevent vehicles from starting if the driver is impaired.

Thirty-eight states already have sobriety checkpoints and 16 have interlock laws.

Rep. Stefani Carter of Dallas has filed one bill allowing more judges to issue search warrants for blood draws in DWI arrests. However, the bill has not had the required public hearing in the House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee which would allow the bill to move forward.

As Texas continues to lead the country in alcohol-related fatalities, the risks to all Texas drivers is greater. Dallas DWI accident attorney Sean Chalaki can assist you. Call Sean Chalaki at the Law Office of Sean Chalaki toll-free at 1-877-9DFWLAW or 972-793-8500. For more information, read his website at http://www.dfwlegaladvice.com/dwi-accidents.html .

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