From 2003 to 2012, 13,138 people died in accidents involving drunk drivers in Texas. Our state had a higher drunk-driving fatality rate than the national average in all age groups. Although the best way to avoid these collisions is to stay sober, nobody can control the actions of other drivers.

You can reduce your risk of getting in an alcohol-related crash by keeping your distance from motorists who display one or more of these signs of intoxication:

Speeding or travelling much slower than the speed limit;
Following too closely;
Driving at night without the headlights turned on;
Braking at odd times;
Swerving onto the shoulder;
Straddling two lanes;
Stopping before or after a stop line;
Almost clipping the curb;
Driving on the wrong side of the street; or
Taking wide turns.

Unfortunately, even the most diligent drivers cannot avoid all accidents. If you were injured in a drunk-driving crash in Texas, contact The Robson Law Firm.

An Austin personal-injury attorney will help you make a claim for economic, non-economic and possibly punitive damages. Call (512) 345-8200 to schedule a free initial consultation.

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3 Steps to Take If You Spot a Drunk Driver

People who get behind the wheel after consuming too much alcohol endanger their own lives and the lives of other drivers, passengers and pedestrians. Alcohol contributes to nearly one-third of all traffic deaths in the United States. The only way to curb this tragic trend is for all road users to be proactive about safety.

If you suspect that a driver is drunk, do not try to stop the driver; this could lead to a confrontation or cause the driver to flee erratically. Instead, take these three steps to report the motorist:

Ask a passenger to record the color, make, model and license plate of the vehicle;
Pull over to a safe place; and
Contact the police.

How to Prevent a Friend from Driving Drunk

Whether you are hosting a party or at a bar, you should be prepared to intervene if a friend intends to drive drunk. Mothers Against Drunk Driving recommends that you take these seven steps:

Do not take a confrontational approach;
Offer an alternative to driving such as staying the night or taking a taxi;
Slowly and clearly explain the dangers of driving drunk;
Remind your friend that you are only concerned about his or her safety;
If your friend still insists on driving, ask someone to help you intervene;
If necessary, take your friend’s keys; and
If all else fails, call the police. Facing DWI charges is a lot better than dying or killing another person.

Sadly, drunk driving continues to be an epidemic in Texas. If you were hurt by a drunk, distracted or negligent driver, turn to The Robson Law Firm.

A personal-injury attorney in Austin will help you make a claim for the highest possible settlement, and if your case goes to trial, our lawyers have the litigation experience to represent your interests in court. Call (512) 345-8200 to schedule a free consultation. You can also learn more about drunk-driving accident claims by visiting the USAttorneys website.

How Do You Know If Another Driver Is Drunk?

3 Steps to Take If You Spot a Drunk Driver

How to Prevent a Friend from Driving Drunk