Texas Law Enforcement Target Intoxicated Drivers During the Holidays

 Posted on December 30,2020 in DWI

Attending holiday parties is often the highlight of the year. Whether you are celebrating with coworkers, seeing distant family members, or enjoying yourself at home, alcoholic beverages are bound to be present and potentially consumed in excess. While there is nothing wrong with enjoying the holiday season, some drivers may place others at risk by drinking before getting behind the wheel. Holiday gatherings look a bit different this year; some have opted to cancel their gatherings, others have reduced the number of people invited to the party, while many have decided against joining the annual party altogether. Because large gatherings have been strongly cautioned or completely off-limits for almost a year now, the opportunity to have some fun may lead to overindulgence and poor decisions. The Texas Department of Safety (DPS) recognizes the annual holiday threat of speeding and intoxicated drivers, especially during these unprecedented times, and is honing its focus on keeping roads safe. 

Unfortunate Holiday Statistics

Holidays have consistently been a high time for severe accidents. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, there were a total of 24 fatalities within a 30-hour period surrounding New Year’s in 2019—not counting the additional accidents that lead to injuries rather than death. Surprisingly, Memorial Day and Fourth of July racked up the most fatalities when compared to other holidays throughout 2019. This year, law enforcement is on high alert as the pandemic reduced the number of parties throughout the year, leading to even more anticipation—and likely celebrating—in the upcoming winter holidays. According to news reports from December 22, Austin surpassed the total number of people killed on area roadways in 2019, with 89 fatalities before the Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations this year. 

Operation Holiday

Though this year may be unprecedented, additional holiday patrols are not unique to 2020. Each year, DPS rolls out their Christmas and New Year’s enforcement campaign, nicknamed “Operation Holiday,” in an effort to reduce these high fatality numbers and keep Texas roadways safe. DPS Troopers increase patrols over the two popular holidays. From December 23-26 and December 31-January 1, Texas drivers can expect additional eyes out for speeding, driving while intoxicated (DWI), failure to wear a seatbelt, uninsured drivers, and more. Last year alone, over 169,000 warnings and citations were given, with 787 DWI arrests, 609 felony arrests, and 555 fugitive arrests throughout the campaign.

In an effort to keep roads safe and Texas drivers from receiving citations or facing arrests, DPS released safety tips, such as the following:

1. Do not drink and drive

2. Move over or slow down for any vehicles stopped on the side of the road with emergency lights flashing

3. Buckle up; it is the law

4. Slow down in bad weather, heavy traffic, construction zones, or unfamiliar areas

5. Do not text and drive

6. Drive defensively since you can be placed in danger by another driver

7. Avoid driving while fatigued

Contact a Jourdanton Criminal Defense Lawyer

An increase in law enforcement patrols will likely mean a rise in criminal charges during this holiday season. Whether you are facing charges of speeding, DWI, or another type of traffic violation, you should seek help from a legal professional. At BRCK Criminal Defense Attorneys, we defend those who are facing criminal charges of any kind, including driving intoxicated. Our legal team has over 40 years of combined experience that we are prepared to use on your behalf. Call our diligent Atascosa County traffic violations attorneys at 830-769-1010 to discuss the details of your case by scheduling a free consultation.

Sources:

https://www.txdot.gov/government/enforcement/annual-summary.html

https://spectrumlocalnews.com/tx/san-antonio/news/2020/12/22/texas-dps-holiday-enforcement-to-target-speeders--dwi