The Garland Police Department will step up Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) patrols starting Friday, Aug. 20, through Monday, Sept. 6.
The increased DWI patrols are for the Impaired Driver Mobilization (IDM) project. The project is funded through a TXDOT grant program that targets DWI and Driving Under the Influence by Minors. The patrols will be active in the nighttime hours by utilizing both marked and unmarked police cars.
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 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. In addition, they can also serve up to180 days in jail. Also, these offenders could face state fines of $3000 to $6000 upon sentencing. Offenders could also be fined up to $10,000 and charged with child endangerment if they drive drunk with a child passenger.
In 2020, TxDOT reported 1,860 vehicle crashes with minor to fatal injuries, where the driver was under the influence in Dallas County. Let’s do our part and drive smart!
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.
Stay safe
- Don’t drink and drive.
- Designate a driver.
- Call a cab.
- Spend the night where you are, if possible.
Information from https://www.txdot.gov/