The results for the Christmas and New Year holiday DWI patrols, which were in effect from Dec. 18 – Jan. 1., have been announced by the Garland Police Department. During this time, the GPD stepped up Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) patrols in an effort to help Garland citizens and visitors to Garland have a safe and enjoyable holiday season.
The additional enforcement was paid for by a state-funded grant from TxDOT known as the Impaired Driving Mobilization grant. The additional enforcement resulted in five DWI related arrests and 31 citations.
During the holiday period GPD’s regular patrols logged an additional 21 DWI arrests. When adding the patrol arrests for the same period there were 26 impaired driving-related arrests.
Additional information:
In Texas, someone is hurt or killed in a vehicular crash involving alcohol approximately every 20 minutes.
The Law on DWI: In Texas states that a person is legally intoxicated and may be arrested and charged with Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) with a .08 BAC (blood or breath alcohol concentration). However, a person is also intoxicated if impaired due to alcohol or other drugs regardless of BAC. Whether you are the driver or the passenger, you can be fined up to $500 for having an open alcohol container in a vehicle.
DWI with a child passenger
You can be charged with child endangerment for driving while intoxicated if you’re carrying passengers younger than 15 years old. DWI with a child passenger is punishable by:
- A fine of up to $10,000
- Additional costs in fines, fees, court costs, restitution for damages, vehicle impound, legal representation, bail costs increased insurance premiums and more
- Up to two years in a state jail
- Loss of your driver’s license for 180 days
Stay safe
- Don’t drink and drive.
- Designate a driver.
- Call a cab.
- Spend the night where you are, if possible.
Information from TxDot.gov