TexDOT Hits the Road this Weekend to Prevent Drunk Driving and Trucking Accidents in Houston

The Fourth of July holiday weekend proves to be the deadliest time of the year on our roadways.  Yes, more people die during this three-day weekend than any other holiday weekend.  There are a number of factors that contribute to these deaths.  Traffic increases tremendously during this time of year.  Both passenger-vehicles and trucks will hit the road in full force this weekend.  Residents will be venturing out on vacations as truck drivers will be hurrying to get home for the holiday.  The increased demand for fireworks will also bring out a number of delivery trucks this weekend.  All of these factors greatly increase your risks of being involved in a trucking accident in Houston.

Motorists oftentimes put themselves at an increased risk for an accident as they're more likely to drink and drive during this holiday weekend.  According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 50 percent of all traffic accidents that have happened during previous Fourth of July weekends involved an intoxicated driver.  In 2009, more than 490 people died in traffic accidents during the three-day Fourth of July weekend.  Last year, Texas saw 337 alcohol-related traffic crashes over the July Fourth holiday weekend.

Our Houston trucking accident attorneys ask that all motorists travel cautiously during the upcoming weekend.  When traveling among large trucks on our roadways, it is important to be completely focused on driving.  Drinking alcohol and driving is not only illegal, but it greatly impairs your driving ability.  It is important that you're able to adjust your driving around trucks as they operate differently than typical passenger vehicles.  Traveling among trucks requires extra attention and focus.

The Texas Department of Transportation will be out in full force this Fourth of July.  They'll be increasing their presence across the state as part of a statewide High Visibility Enforcement effort.  Their enforcement aims to crackdown on impaired drivers.  Motor-vehicle accidents with trucks produce more serious and fatal accidents than accidents with any other type of vehicle.

"TxDOT is proud to be a part of the high visibility enforcement weekend because it works," said Carol T. Rawson, P.E., TxDOT Traffic Operations Director. "The success we’ve seen in jurisdictions across the state reinforces the message that driving while intoxicated will not be tolerated in Texas. The Fourth of July is about celebrating freedom –and if people choose to drink and drive, they stand to lose that freedom and end up in jail. If you plan on drinking make sure you have a P.A.S.S, a Person Appointed to Stay Sober."

The legal consequences of driving while intoxicated are serious and real, but getting into an accident with a large truck may prove to be worse than the legal hassle of a DUI.  Motorists are urged to refrain from drinking and driving and to keep their focus on the presence of large trucks during this Fourth of July weekend.  Don't let this Fourth of July be your last.  Drive safe.

Our Houston trucking accident attorneys would like to wish everyone a safe and happy Independence Day!

If you or someone you know has been injured in a trucking accident, call Houston car accident attorney Joe Stephens today at 713.224.0000 for a free consultation. Joe Stephens has practiced law in the Houston area for over 26 years, and will expertly handle your case on both a professional and a personal level. You may also fill out a contact form online, and someone from The Stephens Law Firm will contact you within 24 hours to set up your free consultation. Call Joe Stephens today to get the help and advice you need.

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