Is the San Marcos River Causing More Drunk Driving Accidents?

A pregnant woman lost her husband and her unborn child this month in a drunk driving accident near the San Marcos Highway intersection. The drunk driver crossed over the center line and into oncoming traffic, causing a head-on collision.

According to witnesses, the 21-year-old driver rolled a bottle of alcohol under the vehicle before police got to the scene. When she was questioned, she admitted to drinking while floating the river just before the accident. The driver is now being charged with one count of intoxicated assault and two counts of intoxicated manslaughter.

Drunk Driving After Floating the River Has Become a Serious Problem

According to residents interviewed by KXAN, it is not uncommon for things to get out of hand along the San Marcos River. Between slip and fall accidents, tubing accidents and accidental drownings, alcohol seems to play a role in most incidents that occur. However, many residents have recently noticed alcohol-related accidents are now heading from the river out onto the roads.

The Caldwell County Commissioner for the area reports that in one weekend, police issued at least 65 drunk driving citations. Police do increase patrol efforts during the weekend, but the number of drunk drivers in the area is still high. Tubing companies nearby are offering shuttles from Austin to San Marcos to combat drunk driving. Additionally, they plan on working with ridesharing companies to help get tubers home safely.

It’s no secret that San Marcos is a college town full of students who like to enjoy a drink (or 10) while out on the river. However, both San Marcos and Austin’s populations are increasing and with it, more people want to partake in this fun weekend activity. That said, San Marcos Police Department must do more to protect the residents in both San Marcos and Austin from drunk drivers by scheduling more patrols and setting up more DUI enforcement checkpoints.

The Law Offices of Aaron Allison is a personal injury law firm that fights for those injured due to drunk driving in and around the Austin area.