86R20140 BPG-D
By: Hunter H.C.R. No. 136
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Texas is ranked among the worst states in the
country for motorists who are injured or killed in alcohol-related
vehicular crashes; and
WHEREAS, In 2013, Texas counted more than 1,300 deaths caused
by drunk drivers, the highest number in the nation; this total
reflected almost 40 percent of all traffic deaths in the state, a
3.6 percent increase over the previous year; and
WHEREAS, Each year, there are thousands of non-fatal
alcohol-related crashes as well; there were more than 25,000 in
Texas in 2013 alone that involved a driver with a blood alcohol
concentration of .01 or higher; these resulted in nearly 16,000
injuries; that year, law enforcement officers made almost 100,000
DWI arrests, resulting in over 71,000 convictions; and
WHEREAS, The lives and continued well-being of thousands of
Texans are at stake, and it is vital that evidence-based measures be
taken to reduce the incidence of alcohol-related crashes; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 86th Legislature of the State of Texas
hereby request the lieutenant governor and the speaker of the House
of Representatives to provide for a joint interim study regarding
driving while intoxicated and driving under the influence
incidents, including examination of mortality rates, accidents,
rates of intoxication, and the effectiveness of increased penalties
for DWI/DUI offenses; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That a full report, including findings and
recommendations, be submitted to the 87th Texas Legislature before
it convenes in January 2021.