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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