Drunk driving has been a thorn in society’s side for decades. When somebody decides to drive drunk, they are not only putting themselves in danger, but other people in the same vicinity as them.
The number of drunk driving deaths is startling. In 2022, 1677 people were killed in drunk driving in crashes. Since many Texas residents drive from Texas to Oklahoma to party, Oklahoma residents could also be in danger.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed a new law that may deter Texas residents from getting behind the wheel after one too many. House Bill 393 was signed into law in June and imposes strict laws for anybody who drives and causes a fatality. Any drunk driver who is convicted of intoxication manslaughter will now be required to pay child support to any minors who lost their parents in the drunk driving crash.
Under the new law, drunk drivers will be required to pay monthlypaymenttotheeffect minor child/children until they turn 18 or has graduated high school, whichever comes later. The court will decide the amount that the convicted drunk driver will pay each month. The amount will be based on the financial needs and resources of the child and the surviving parent
Courtesy photo or guardian.
Anydrunkdriverwhocannot make payments due to serving time for their conviction, will be required to begin payments no later than one year after their release.