The Garland Police Department announced that it will step up DWI patrols Friday, Aug. 19, through Tuesday, Sept. 5.
The increased Driving While Intoxicated patrols are for an Impaired Driver Mobilization project. The project 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 by 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 total more than $17,000 for bail, legal fees, court appearances, court ordered classes, vehicle insurance increases and other expenses.
The consequences of driving under the influence can be much worse. MADD reports that in 2015 there were 1,446 people killed in motor vehicle crashes on Texas roads where the driver was under the influence of alcohol.
So far in 2016, Garland police have recorded a total of 205 alcohol related driving arrests of either DWI or DUI Minor.