Friday, March 29, 2024

Don’t Drink and Drive!–No Refusal Weekend

drink_drive_go-to-jailThis Memorial Day weekend, the Southlake Police Department will take part in the Tarrant County “No Refusal Weekend” from Friday May 23 to Monday May 26. This means if you are arrested for DWI and refuse to give a specimen of your breath or blood the officer will apply for a Search Warrant to have a specimen of blood taken from you.

Did you know—that someone is hurt or killed in a crash involving alcohol almost every 20 minutes? The Southlake Departments of Public Safety are urging everyone to be safe this Memorial Day Weekend.  Please do not drive or operate a boat if you have had too much alcohol. 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.

In Texas, a person is legally intoxicated and may be arrested and charged with 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. Additionally, 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 or cause bodily injury or death to another, and face charges for child endangerment, Intoxication Assault, or Intoxication Manslaughter. These offenses in conjunction with DWI are punishable by significant fines, and lengthy prison sentences.

The fines and punishments increase dramatically following a first offense. 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.
  • Call a cab, or a sober friend.
  • Spend the night where you are, if possible.

Southlake Police Chief Stephen Mylett says, “The message is simple. Don’t drink and drive, period! Don’t let one bad decision change your life forever. The consequences can last a lifetime.”

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