Posts Tagged ‘DWI PATROLS ON NEW YEAR’S EVE Texas Highway Patrol 2009 statistics for DWI patrols 350 arrests for DWI 9’

New Year’s Eve is often referred to as one of the most dangerous nights to be out driving because of the number of people that are out late at night drinking, and then driving.

Each year, local and state police step up efforts to stop drunk drivers on New Year’s Eve. This year is no exception. The Texas Highway Patrol announced it will have increased patrols on New Year’s Eve aimed stop drunk driving. Troopers will increase the number of patrols New Year’s weekend along with more focused driving-while-intoxicated patrols in locations with a high risk for alcohol-related wrecks during the times when they are most likely to happen, a highway patrol news release states.

During the Christmas holiday for the year 2009, DPS troopers efforts result in:

• 350 arrests for DWI
• 9,212 speeding tickets and
• 658 safety restraint violations.

In contrast to this effort by the police to stop drunk driving, Texas State Rep. Todd Smith has proposed a new law that allow first-time drunken drivers in Texas to be acquitted if they complete supervision and treatment in order to save money and to free up caseloads for prosecutors. The proposed legislation is somewhat of a buzz kill for those who are fighting to keep our streets safe from drunk drivers.