Friday, March 29, 2024

Southlake Police Prepare for “No Refusal”

Christmas and New Year’s Eve are almost here and the Southlake Police Department wants to remind everyone to drive safely and don’t drink and drive.  Southlake P.D. will again take part in the Tarrant County “NO REFUSAL WEEKEND” from Wednesday, December 24th at 9:30 p.m. to Friday, January 2nd at 5:30 a.m.

No Refusal means if you are arrested for DWI and refuse to give a breath sample or allow your blood to be drawn, the officer will apply for a search warrant to have a specimen of blood taken from you.

In Texas, a person is legally intoxicated and may be arrested and charged with DWI with a 0.08 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’re the driver or the passenger, you can be fined up to $500 for having an open alcohol container in a vehicle.

The penalties increase if you are arrested for DWI with a child passenger, cause bodily injury or death to another person.  Besides an arrest for driving while intoxicated, you can also face charges for child endangerment, intoxication assault, or intoxication manslaughter.

The consequences of drinking and driving are severe. According to TxDOT, there were over 2,300 DUI-alcohol traffic crashes in Texas last holiday season (Dec. 1, 2013 – Jan. 1, 2014), resulting in 763 serious injuries and 92 fatalities. The loss of life is tragic for everyone involved. In addition to jail time, drivers who are arrested for driving while intoxicated can face fines, fees, and associated costs of up to $17,000. The Southlake Police Department will be increasing patrols this holiday. “We hope that increased visibility by law enforcement this holiday season can save lives on the road,” said Police Chief Steve Mylett.

Not only will individuals arrested for DWI face serious consequences including jail time and fines but more importantly, they risk taking a life or causing serious harm to themselves and others.  The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) encourages Texans to give the gift of a sober ride this holiday season. It’s a gift that could save a life while also protecting drivers from the serious consequences including legal and financial troubles that can result from drinking and driving. SoberRides.org is one way to find a safe ride home.

The Southlake Police Department is urging everyone to be safe this Holiday Season. If you plan to drink, please plan ahead by arranging to have a designated driver bring you home or arrange for a taxi to pick you up.

Don’t risk getting a DWI conviction.  Play it safe by remembering a few simple tips.

Don’t drink and drive.

  • Plan ahead and designate a driver.
  • Contact SoberRides.org
  • Call a cab, or a sober friend.
  • Spend the night where you are, if possible.

Southlake Police Officers will continue to work to keep the City streets and highways safe this Holiday Season.  For more information http://www.txdot.gov/safety/tips/intoxication.htm