​The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that drunk driving causes at least one death every 48 minutes in the United States. Almost 30 people die every day due to accidents involving intoxicated driving on the road. Motorcycle riders also can be the victims of these crashes. A drunk driver may have poor vision or a decreased cognitive ability while driving on the road. He or she may not pay attention to other motorcycle drivers on the road and cause a serious accident as a result.

​The CDC has also offered the following statistics to the public in regards to intoxicated driving on the road and its effects:

• Over 211 children died as a result of alcohol-impaired driving in 2010
• Over 50 percent of children dying as a result of alcohol-impaired driving were with an intoxicated driver
• Over 10,000 people died from intoxicated driving in 2010
• Over 1,200 traffic deaths involved children in 2010
• It is clear that when someone decides to drive while drunk, he or she is not only putting one’s own life at risk. An intoxicated driver puts many other lives at risk, including those of children and even motorcycle drivers.

​Unfortunately, statistics from the Texas Department of Transportation also reveal that a significant number of crashes also involve drunk motorcycle drivers. The figures released from the government department show that a majority of accidents involving intoxicated driving occurred between 6:00 p.m. and 3:00 a.m..

​Safety must remain a number one priority for motorcycle riders on the road in Texas. It is vital that these riders pay attention to how their behavior may impact others on the road, including other motorcycle riders. It is not uncommon for motorcycle riders to travel together, and a single intoxicated driver could cause a significant accident amongst multiple drivers on the road.

There are serious injuries that can result when one is involved in a motorcycle accident due to the intoxicated driving of others. Here are some of the injuries that can occur from a drunk motorcycle driving accident:

• Severed limbs
• Head injuries and concussions
• Deep abrasions
• Serious burns
• Permanent disabilities
• Loss of vision and blindness
• Depression, traumatic memories, and anxiety issues
• In serious cases, death

Texas has now implemented a “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” program that is aimed at decreasing the number of intoxicated riders on the road. The purpose of this program is to hold drivers accountable for putting the lives of others at risk. If you ride in Texas you need to be aware of intoxicated riders and drivers on the road.