Over the years, the state of Texas has had several campaigns aimed at teaching people about the dangers of drunk driving. Unfortunately, it seems that many people didn’t get the message. A recent study revealed that up to 20% of Texans don’t realize that a DUI charge is a serious one.
The study revealed some shocking statistics
In 2020, over 3,000 drivers were surveyed about drinking and driving. The survey revealed that nearly 20% of the respondents didn’t know that a DUI is a criminal offense. Instead, they thought it was a civil offense. This shows that misinformation about DUIs continues to spread, even after law enforcement has made an effort to educate the public about the dangers of drinking and driving.
Shockingly, the study also revealed that 17% of Texas drivers didn’t know the legal blood alcohol concentration in their state. According to the study, this isn’t just a problem in Texas: 15% of the people who took part in the study admitted to drinking and driving at least once. Across the country, a sizeable percentage of drivers in every state have no idea that a DUI is a criminal offense. This lack of knowledge might make people more likely to get on the highway when they’re under the influence of drugs or alcohol, posing a risk to themselves and others.
What should you do if you’re charged with a DUI?
A DUI is a serious criminal offense that can stay on your record for years. When you’re older, you might still be paying for that DUI that you got several years ago. It’s important to have an attorney who could give you the best shot at getting the charges reduced or dropped. Otherwise, you might find it harder to find a job and secure housing.