The Garland Police Department is stepping up Driving While Intoxicated patrols from Friday, Aug. 16 through Monday, Sept. 2. The patrols will be active in the nighttime hours by utilizing both marked and unmarked police cars. The increased DWI patrols are for an Impaired Driver Mobilization project funded through a TXDOT grant program, targeting DWI’s along with Driving Under the Influence by Minors.
Officers will apply for blood search warrants for those drivers who refuse to consent to give 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 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 2018, on Texas highways, there were 940 people killed in motor vehicle crashes where the driver was under the influence of alcohol.