New Texas Laws Against Drunk Driving Go into Place

On Behalf of | Sep 2, 2011 | Drunk Driving Accidents, Legislation |

New law ups the ante starting this week for drunk truck drivers and other drivers who cause auto accidents and serious injuries.

As Kelley Shannon reports for the San Antonio Express-News, the Texas legislature passed law that adds another 10 years to the possible prison time – up to a total of 20 years – if the person seriously injured by a drunk driver in an auto accident is put in a vegetative state.

The legislature also passed a law that adds more time behind bars – up to one year in jail – for driving with blood-alcohol content of 0.15 and above. Essentially, this law punishes what’s been called “extreme DWI,” or driving over twice the legal limit.

Both these laws give prosecutors more ammunition in prosecuting cases against drunk drivers.

In other news, it’s interesting to note that you can now hunt wild hogs by chopper. The landowner must arrange for the hunt to take place over their property – just as in any other type of hunt – but now you can do it by air as well as on foot.

Source: San Antonio Express-News, “Sonogram, other laws take effect this week,” by Kelley Shannon, 08/30/11