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Texas has a DWI problem. And San Antonio is no exception. In fact, the Alamo City routinely ranks among the most dangerous metro areas in the country for alcohol-related crashes. Whether it’s a night out with friends, a family celebration or just the drive home after dinner, the risk of encountering an impaired driver in San Antonio is real — and the consequences can be life-changing.

Texas leads the nation in drunk driving deaths

The statistics are grim. New data from Forbes highlights Texas as one of the most dangerous states in the nation for drunk driving, with alarming rates of fatal crashes, underage impaired drivers and alcohol-related traffic deaths that consistently exceed national averages.

Texas ranks second-worst in the nation for both the rate of drunk drivers in fatal crashes (8.3 per 100,000 licensed drivers) and the percentage of traffic deaths caused by drunk drivers (42.37%).

The state ranks third-highest for drunk drivers under age 21 involved in fatal crashes, with a rate of 0.94 per 100,000 licensed drivers.

Texas sees 5.14 deaths per 100,000 residents from crashes involving a drunk driver — the sixth-highest rate in the country.

San Antonio mirrors this disturbing trend. Data from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) shows that Bexar County alone saw more than 2,300 alcohol-related crashes in a single year, resulting in hundreds of injuries and nearly 100 deaths.

Why San Antonio faces unique risks

San Antonio is a city that brings people together year-round. The city’s vibrant calendar of events, concerts and festivals, along with the yearly mainstays of the rodeo, Fiesta and Spurs games, offers fun and connection, but naturally creates high-risk situations. When alcohol is involved, the temptation to drive — even when impaired — can lead to serious consequences.

Bexar County DWI arrests

Getting arrested for DWI in San Antonio can derail your life. A first-time offense is typically a Class B misdemeanor, but it can still result in jail time, a suspended driver’s license, thousands in fines, mandatory alcohol education classes and a permanent criminal record.

Beyond the courtroom, the real damage often comes afterward:

  • Teachers, nurses and doctors face license suspension or revocation
  • Military service members risk demotion or discharge
  • DWI can lead to failed background checks and block job advancement
  • Students can lose scholarships and face academic discipline

Repeat offenses or aggravated circumstances — like having a child passenger or a high blood alcohol concentration — can quickly escalate a misdemeanor DWI into a felony, with harsher penalties and long-term consequences.

End the cycle: Celebrate safely

Celebrating responsibly means planning ahead. While public transportation in San Antonio is limited, rideshare options are widely available. Looking out for your friends and neighbors — and making sure everyone has a safe way home — is one of the simplest and most powerful ways to make San Antonio safer.

A safe way forward

A DWI arrest doesn’t have to define your future. Trey Porter Law is dedicated to helping individuals move forward with clarity and confidence. San Antonio DWI lawyer Trey Porter and his team have a proven track record of defending constitutional rights and protecting what matters most — careers, reputations and second chances.

Arrested for DWI in San Antonio? Contact Trey Porter Law today at 210-673-1180 for a free, confidential consultation. Your future is worth fighting for.

Trey Porter Law is an award-winning DWI and criminal defense firm focused on defending people facing DWI charges and working to clear records through expungement. The firm advocates for clients across...