Motorcycle DUI Statistics in Texas

Drinking and driving, including operating a motorcycle under the influence (DUI), is a severe offense that poses significant risks to the impaired driver or rider and other road users. If you were hurt in a motorcycle accident due to a DUI driver, you should take legal action. Consult a motorcycle accident attorney to uphold your rights and pursue fair compensation. Here is what you should know about motorcycle DUI statistics in Texas.

Alcohol-Impaired Motorcycle Fatalities

In Texas, as in many other states, alcohol is a contributing factor in a significant number of motorcycle fatalities. On average, one rider dies in a crash every day, and impaired drivers play a huge role in these fatalities since alcohol decreases reflexes, driving skills, and judgement.

According to the Texas Department of Transportation’s 2020 Motor Vehicle Traffic Crash report, motor vehicle crashes where a driver was under the influence of alcohol resulted in 992 fatalities. Alcohol consumption was involved in 45% of all motorcycle fatalities in 2020. In 2021, the number of fatalities increased, resulting in 1,141 fatalities. In 2022, there were 1,163 fatalities related to impaired driving. In general, Texas motorcycle fatalities rose from year to year, with alcohol being a substantial contributing factor in the number of fatalities.

DUI Arrests

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) reports the number of DUI arrests each year, including those involving motorcycles. In 2020, there were 1,985 DUI arrests specifically related to motorcycle riders.

In 2021, there were a total of 89,457 of DWI/DUI charges, but only 8,044 were charged. However, this was a consistent increase from 2020, when the total number of DWI/DUI charges was 83,088. 

Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Limits

In Texas, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle, including motorcycles, with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher for adults 21 and older. For drivers under 21, a BAC of 0.02% or higher can result in charges. In Texas, a DUI charge is classified as a type C misdemeanor, while a DWI is a more severe type B misdemeanor. 

Enhanced Penalties

Texas imposes enhanced penalties for DUI offenses, including those involving motorcycles. Penalties include fines, license suspension, mandatory alcohol education programs, community service, and even imprisonment. The penalties and fines depend on the severity of the offense and any prior DUI convictions.

Awareness and Enforcement Efforts

Like many other states, Texas has implemented various awareness and enforcement campaigns to combat drunk driving. These efforts educate the public about the dangers of driving under the influence and promote responsible alcohol consumption. Additionally, law enforcement agencies conduct sobriety checkpoints and targeted patrols to identify and apprehend impaired drivers and riders. 

Motorcyclists need to realize how vulnerable they are on the roads even when they or other road participants are sober. That is one of the reasons why driving while under the influence should be avoided at all costs. This is especially true for motorcyclists as they are at risk of more severe injuries.