AMARILLO, TEXAS -- It's a campaign that kicks off every year. Drink, Drive, Go to Jail. And this year Randall and Potter County Sheriff Departments, Amarillo Police Department, along with DPS are all joining forces to help keep drunk drivers off the roads. The campaign kicked off Wednesday and will continue through Labor Day.
The law enforcement agencies will have extra officers on the streets, trying to keep everyone safe from those driving under the influence.
DPS Trooper Gabriel Medrano says this is something they take seriously, and saving lives and keeping drunks off the road is a big part of what they do. There are 950 drunk driving deaths a year in Texas.
As of last year officers across the state saw 17,000 hours in overtime. TxDOT is responsible for funding the overtime hours for the officers. Those officers says its worth it, because they are making sure you and your loved ones stay safe.
Texas DWI Statistics
(Data compiled by TxDOT from Texas Peace Officer's Crash Reports except where noted.)
• In 2009, there were 27,108 alcohol-related crashes in Texas that resulted in 955 deaths and 17,542 injuries (preliminary data).
• In 2008, more alcohol-related crashes occurred between 2am and 3am than any other hour of the day. Also, more alcohol related crashes occurred on Saturday than any other day of the week.
• In 2008, 28.1 percent of the total traffic fatalities in Texas were caused by drivers under the influence of alcohol.
• In 2008, 25 percent of people killed in alcohol-related crashes in Texas were between the ages of 20 and 25. However, this age segment only represents 9 percent of the overall state population.
• During the 2009 two-week crackdown, officers around the state worked a combined total of more than 17,000 hours of overtime specifically looking for impaired drivers.
(2009 Crackdown, Mobilization, and Sustained Enforcement Report)
How Texans Can Avoid a DWI
Do not get behind the wheel if you’ve been drinking. Designate a driver, catch a bus, call a cab or someone you trust to pick you up, or spend the night where you are.
A DWI arrest and conviction in Texas can cost $17,000 or more: fees include car towing, impoundment, bail, attorney fees, court costs, hearing and fees to regain and retain driver’s license, DWI fine, probation costs, fees for extended proof of insurance, plus insurance rate hikes.
TxDOT is partnering with NHTSA, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, the Texas Municipal Police Association, taxi companies, MADD, and local law enforcement organizations statewide to prevent drunk driving.
• Eight to 40 hours of community service
