Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), a group I heartily support, has calculated that one-third of intoxicated drivers arrested are repeat offenders. So consider what has happened here in the last few days:
Yesterday an intoxicated driver who fled a Tarrant County Sheriff at over 100 m.p.h. was sentenced to 14 years in jail. The 32-year-old man plead guilty in Weatherford after he crashed into another vehicle and fled the scene. His blood alcohol limit was more than two times the legal limit of .08%.
But Texas is one of the only states that does not require the permanent revocation of a repeat offender’s driver’s license. We only temporarily suspend it up to two years. Note that many states yank the license permanently, including North Carolina and New York after the third offense, and Florida after a manslaughter conviction.
Interlocks are supposed to keep these offenders from driving
In 2015 our legislature finally got around to enacting an ignition interlocks device law. MADD had been trying to pass this law for over 10 years. First time DWI offenders can now allow the device to be installed in their vehicle and get an occupational drivers license allowing him to drive to work, school, doctors, and other essential destinations. All 50 states now have some form of interlock required use, with 15 making the device mandatory for any offense. The devices are highly effective.
We advocate for stronger DWI enforcement and penalties
Berenson Injury Law is an experienced personal injury law firm that has helped Dallas-Fort Worth accident victims for the past 36 years. As one of the few MADD-approved attorneys, I represent many injured victims. I have seen the horrific injuries DWI crashes cause. We support MADD and are constantly advocating for tougher DWI laws and compensation for victims. Please contact my office if you need assistance.