There were 1,446 deaths caused by drunk drivers in Texas in 2014; more than any other state. Texas also led the nation in drunk driving deaths in 2013, with 1,337 deaths.
To honor victims and raise awareness of the drunk driving problem impacting the state, the North Texas chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) held a National Day of Remembrance vigil on Dec. 2nd in coordination with the organizations 35th anniversary.
Remembering Loved Ones
Dozens of North Texans, including law enforcement officials, crash victims and their families, gathered for a candlelight vigil hosted at the University of Texas Arlington’s Maverick Activities Center.
Stacie Brown, an Arlington police officer who lost her sister due to a drunk driving accident, delivered a keynote speech to attendants.
Assistant District Attorney of Tarrant County Richard Alpert read his poem The Conversation, which he penned describing his experience gathering details from families pursuing justice on behalf of the loved ones they lost to drunk drivers.
Deaths Spike During the Holiday Season
Law enforcement officials report a spike in accident deaths from drunk driving in the period between Thanksgiving and New Years Day, when many people are out attending holiday parties. In 2014, 140 people lost their lives in Texas during that timeframe. Approximately 850 deaths occurred across the country during the holiday season last year.
Law enforcement officers urge citizens to plan alternate transportation ahead of time if they will be drinking at a holiday party. MADD North Texas executive director Jason Derschied says that drunk driving crashes are 100 percent preventable. Unfortunately, they are still common regardless of education efforts.
The highly trained Fort Worth auto accident lawyer at our firm knows the devastation that a drunk driving accident can cause. The personal injury lawyers at Anderson Cummings are devoted to pursing maximum compensation for injuries and wrongful deaths caused by impaired driving accidents.
Call us at (817) 920-9000 to schedule a free consultation.