The Garland Police Department will step up DWI patrols starting this Friday, June 24 and run them through Sunday, July 5.
The increased DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) patrols are for an Impaired Driver Mobilization project which is funded through a TXDOT grant program. The program targets DWI along with Driving Under the Influence by Minors. The patrols will be active in the night time hours utilizing both marked and unmarked police cars.
Police 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 Driving While Intoxicated 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 have reported that other costs associated with an impaired driving arrest and conviction can add up to more than $17,000. This total includes bail, legal fees, court appearances, court ordered classes, vehicle insurance increases and other expenses.
DWI, DUI statistics
In 2015, on Texas Highways, 1,446 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes where the driver was under the influence of alcohol.
The Garland Police Department has recorded more than 130 alcohol related arrests involving either Driving While Intoxicated or Driving Under the Influence by Minors so far this year.