LUBBOCK, Texas –DWI cases with children involved are showing an trend upward after a slight increase between 2022 and 2023.
According to statistics provided by the Lubbock Police Department, in 2022, 5 people received a DWI while driving with children in the vehicle. In 2023, that number rose to 7.
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“The leading killer of children in traffic crashes is due to being in the car with an impaired driver,” said Dawn Bevan, a victim services specialist, with Mothers Against Drunk Driving or “MADD.”
Bevan said drinking affects everyone differently, and getting behind the wheel could have serious consequences, especially with others in the vehicle.
“I want everybody to know that impaired driving with a child under the age of 15 in your vehicle is a felony offense,” Bevan said. “So people think, Oh, I had one drink or two drinks and you really don’t know how impaired you are because of impairment when you’re drinking, it impairs your judgment.”