Preliminary data from the Texas Department of Transporation (TxDoT) shows a 7.8% increase in drunk driving injuries from April 2021 to May 2021. In May, 1,437 people suffered injury or death in alcohol-related crashes on Texas roads. Despite the increase in injuries, the number of people killed fell to 77, from 114 the previous month.

Injuries and deaths break down as follows:

• 77 fatalities
• 254 catastrophic injuries
• 450 moderate injuries requiring hospitalization
• 435 minor injuries
• 121 injuries of unknown severity

Total drunk driving injuries increased 33.4% year-over-year. It’s important to note that May 2020 was the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, with much of Texas in lockdown.

TxDoT does not release its final numbers until late 2022. Until that time, all numbers are subject to revision and change.