Garland Police will step up Driving While Intoxicated patrols Friday, March 4, – Monday, March 21.
The increased DWI patrols are for an Impaired Driver Mobilization project that is funded through a TXDOT grant program which targets DWI along with Driving Under the Influence by Minors. The patrols will be active in the nighttime hours utilizing both marked and unmarked police cars.
Officers may apply for blood search warrants for those drivers who refuse to consent to giving a specimen of their breath or blood when arrested for DWI related offenses.
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 180 days in jail. Safety officials say other costs associated with an impaired driving arrest and conviction can add up to more than $17,000 for bail, legal fees, court appearances, court ordered classes, vehicle insurance increases and other expenses.
In 2014, on Texas Highways, 1,041 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes where the driver was under the influence of alcohol.
In 2015 Garland Police recorded a total of 439 alcohol related driving arrests of either DWI or DUI Minor.