Texas is known as "The Lone Star State," but that just isn't good enough for many throughout the state whose lives have been devastated as a result of drunk driving. They want Texas to get a five-star rating with regards to a system used by Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

MADD rates states on how proactive they are in trying to prevent drunk driving and create safer roadways. When members of MADD and DWI accident victims' family members gathered together at Texas' State Capitol earlier this week, the announcement of the state's three-star rating served as a reminder that more needs to be done in Texas to combat drunk driving.

The rating system involves a list of five reportedly proven methods of fighting drinking and driving:

  • Utilization of ignition interlock devices
  • Utilization of sobriety checkpoints
  • Harsher consequences for driving drunk with kids in the vehicle
  • Utilization of no refusal policies
  • Revocation of drunk drivers' licenses

Among the five above measures, Texas is yet to adopt two. Sobriety checkpoints are not conducted in the state. Also, ignition interlock devices are not mandated following drunk driving convictions. The devices limit a DWI offender's ability to start his car if there is evidence that he's consumed alcohol.

Texas is not the only state with a three-star rating. In fact, only a handful of states meet the highest five-star standard. Traffic safety and anti-drunk driving advocates suspect that this holiday season in Texas will serve as a sad reminder that stricter drunk driving policies are needed to create safer roads.

Another way to prevent drunk driving is for victims and their families to not hesitate to sue if a drunk driver has caused them loss or pain. Working with an aggressive personal injury attorney can help send the message to careless drivers out there that their actions impact others and won't be tolerated.

Source

Kvue.com: "Texas falls short of perfect score for efforts to stop drinking and driving," Noelle Newton, Nov. 16, 2011