Released by the Texas Department of Transportation
AUSTIN (KYTX) - Law enforcement agencies across the state will be on the lookout for impaired drivers during Labor Day weekend as part of the "Drink, Drive, Go To Jail" program sponsored by the Texas Department of Transportation.
"Texas leads the nation in drunk driving fatalities," said TxDOT public information officer Larry Krantz. "And that not only reflects the drunk drivers themselves, but those they injure or kill because of their negligence."
TxDOT and the Texas Department of Public Safety say drivers who rationalize with excuses like "I can hold my liquor," or "I'm fine to drive," or "I'll take the back roads home" face an expensive fine, losing their license, and jail time if they are convicted of driving while intoxicated.
Thousands of state troopers, police officers, and sheriffs' deputies across the state will be out in force as part of the Drink, Drive, Go to Jail stepped-up enforcement effort and public awareness campaign which began August 19 and runs through Labor Day.
Convicted first-time DWI offenders can pay a fine of up to $2,000, lose their driver's license for up to a year and serve as much as 180 days in jail. Safety officials say other costs associated with an impaired driving arrest and conviction can add up to as much as $17,000 or more for bail, legal fees, court appearances, court-ordered classes, vehicle insurance increases, and other expenses.
The Texas Department of Public Safety has a zero tolerance policy for drinking and driving. Director Steven McCraw said, "If you are driving and found to be impaired, you will be arrested."
In 2010, there were 25,032 alcohol-related crashes in Texas that resulted in 1,057 deaths and 16,877 injuries. In 2010, 24 percent of people killed in alcohol-related crashes in Texas were between the ages of 20 and 25, though that age group represents only 9 percent of the overall state population. More alcohol-related crashes occur between 2 a.m. and 3 a.m. than any other hour of the day. Also, more alcohol related crashed occurred on Saturday than any other day of the week.
Safety advocates are urging drivers to consider a variety of alternatives to getting behind the wheel if they've been drinking. They suggest calling a cab, asking a friend or a family member for a ride, handing keys to a designated driver, or simply stay put until the driver sobers up. TxDOT's digital RideFinder atwww.TexasDWI.org, accessible from smart phones, lists ride options in local areas throughout Texas.
To further alert motorists about the DWI crackdown, TxDOT is conducting a multi-media public awareness campaign that includes television spots, radio ads, billboards, web and mobile phone ads, and safe driving reminders in metropolitan bar and restaurant districts.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, and Mothers Against Drunk Driving are joining TxDOT and local law enforcement as partners for the "Drink. Drive. Go to Jail" campaign.
