Texas DWI laws – Their Role In Strengthening Public Safety In Texas

Texas will never tolerate on-road drivers who mix drinking and driving. It is considered to be one of the most serious crimes that has zero tolerance. Various laws have been introduced by Texas in this regard. These laws help deter people from drinking and driving, and eventually help make people aware of various rules and regulations while driving on the road.

People fear DWI laws; sometimes they criticize and even abhor them for personal reasons. However, what most people don't realize is that these laws have been made to strengthen public safety in Texas.

In 1998, the first Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) laws were surpassed by Texas to other states. States lacking open container laws are severely penalized by the DWI law. Texas has not experienced repeated DWI offend laws. This is the reason that experts have observed the transfer of about $37 million of highway funds from construction projects to highway safety in 2001.

Driving while intoxicated has always been considered as a serious problem in Texas. People were usually reported to drive while intoxicated under the influence of drugs and alcohol. The problem resulted in a steep rise in the number of accidents and deaths on the highway. All these accidents and deaths were related to alcohol.

Though a shocking news but it is true that in 1998, about one thousand and eight hundred people died in road accidents related to alcohol in Texas. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has estimated that around two in five Americans will be involved in alcohol related accident or death on road at some point of time. Don't you think these are shocking stats? Of course, they are.

This is the major reason that the Texas legislature has taken severe steps to cut down on the casualties associated to alcohol on Texas highways, streets and roads. The launching of state's famous Administrative License Revocation (ALR) program was one of the most important steps taken in this regard in 1995.

In the year 1997, the Texas legislature passed a 'Zero Tolerance' law. This was another crucial step taken by Texas to cut down on accidents and deaths related to alcohol. According to this law, drivers under twenty one are prohibited from operating a vehicle if a certain amount of alcohol found present in their blood stream. The legal Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) limit is from 0.10 to 0.08.

Another milestone in this regard is the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st century, usually called TEA-21. This Act is responsible for imposing severe penalties for states with open containers and repeat drunk driving offenders. The Act says that in case, a state fails to enact and enforce either of the required laws, it would have to transfer part of its federal highway construction funds to its highway safety or hazard elimination programs.

The DWI laws have actually worked towards strengthening road safety in Texas. Statistics clearly show that these laws have decreased road accidents under the influence of alcohol or drugs. As a citizen, it is very important to adhere to these laws as this act can save you from injuring yourself or other passengers on the road.

Recommended Reading:

1. Texas DWI Laws-The Proof Of A Drunk Driving Charge Under DWI Laws - Drunk driving laws or DWI laws have been made to prevent people from driving a motor vehicle under the influence...
2. Texas DWI Laws – Penalties That Can Be Imposed On Offenders - No doubt, the Texas DWI laws are very stringent and punitive. These laws are imposed on people who are caught...
3. Texas DWI Laws-Law Enforcement In Texas - It is surprising but true that nearly 1.5 million Driving While Intoxicated arrests are made each year in Texas. This...
4. Texas DWI Laws-Some Important Terms and Definitions Under The Law - Every year thousands of people die because of alcohol related automobile accidents on the roads. In one way or other...
5. Texas DWI laws – What Can Be Expected After An Arrest - In case, you are arrested under Texas DWI laws, you may feel anxious and nervous, especially when it has happened...