The Garland Police Department increased Driving While Intoxicated patrols from June 28 through July 15 in an effort to keep Garland citizens and visitors safe during the Independence Day Holiday. During the 18 days of added enforcement, 26 DWI arrests were made and 42 citations were issued; four additional arrests were made for other offenses.
Officers working the grant funded shifts were responsible for five DWI related arrests.
The additional enforcement was paid for by a state funded grant from TxDOT known as the Impaired Driving Mobilization Grant.
The Garland Police Department would like to thank TxDOT for their assistance in allowing officers to keep the city streets safe during the Independence Day Holiday.
The consequences of driving under the influence can be severe. In 2016, there were 987 people killed in motor vehicle crashes where the driver was under the influence of alcohol (TxDot, 2016).
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.