Houston DWI accident attorneys point out that statistics collected by MADD and other organizations show that first-time DWI offenders will almost certainly continue to drive drunk and commit other offenses. Federal authorities say that about two million three-times convicted drunk drivers remain free on our roads to endanger other motorists and pedestrians.
Part of the problem recognized by MADD and others is a lack of a coherent nationwide approach to the drunken driving problem. Some states let convicted DWI offenders off very lightly, sometimes even if they have multiple offenses. A few states have much stricter penalties against drunken driving. But this uneven DWI enforcement among the U.S. states affects everyone. Nothing prevents a repeat offender residing in a state of lax penalties from driving into a stricter state and killing someone on the road through a deadly DWI accident.
Texas is among the increasing number of states that have recently enhanced DWI penalties to take DWI offenders off our roads. The increased penalties include prison sentences and strict probation policies. But Texas is not among the 16 states that require Ignition Interlock Devices (IIDs) on the vehicles of first time offenders.
The Houston DWI accident attorneys at Denena & Points explain that IIDs require a driver to breathe into the device before starting the car. If the IID finds an alcohol content higher than permitted (usually much less that the .08 legal limit for intoxication), the car won’t start. Even if the driver passes the initial analysis and the car starts, the IID will require further tests at random intervals along the way.
MADD advocates the installation of IIDs on the vehicles of all convicted DWI offenders, including first-time offenders, in all states claiming that use of the devices can reduce the incidence of repeat DWI offenses by a substantial percentage. Certainly the IID might represent one solution. But an even better solution is taking DWI offenders off the roads for as long as possible.
Since changing the law to increase penalties, Texas has seen a few high-profile cases where DWI offenders have received decades-long prison terms. Some of these offenders had 6 or more previous DWI convictions before they received these sentences however. And a Tarrant Count ADA has said that it’s not unusual to see offenders with more than 24 previous convictions.
Drunken drivers cause particularly deadly accidents on our roads. It’s only a matter of time before a repeat DWI offender, left free to drive on our roads, causes a fatal accident. If harsher prison terms and IIDs for first offenders will help reduce the risk, our Houston DWI accident attorneys are all for them.
If you or a family member are injured in a wreck caused by a DWI offender and you need help, contact our experienced Houston DWI accident attorneys for a free and confidential legal consultation. We could help you obtain the financial compensation you deserve following the needless accident.