Ending Driver Responsibility Program Would Harm Trauma System - 04/05/2017
A strong trauma system in Texas is vital to the overall health of the state. Trauma is the leading cause of death for Texans under age 44. There are more than 117,000 trauma incidents in Texas each year. These include motor vehicle crashes, falls, assaults, and firearm injuries. Automobile accidents are the leading cause of traumatic injury in Texas for children and adults, and Texas leads the nation in the number of individuals driving under the influence. DRP is an indispensable part of this strong trauma care system. Driver Responsibility Program (DRP) is the leading source of state funding for the Texas trauma system, contributing $75 million-$80 million per year. To maintain Texas’ low trauma mortality rate (2.79 percent, a full percentage point lower than the national average), trauma funding must be preserved.