Spring Break is one of the most exciting times of the year for some people, but this is the third year that The Houston-Galveston Area Council has enforced the Regional DWI Task, which consists of 16 law enforcement agencies throughout the Houston-Galveston area cutting down on driving while intoxicated (DWI). This Task Force is funded through a Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) grant awarded by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDot). This tasks provides overtime funds for agencies to provide enhanced DWI enforcement during holiday weekend when there has traditionally been more alcohol-related traffic incidents. Over the Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year holiday the Task Force made 77 DWI arrest.
If convicted with a DWI and you’re a first time offender you’ll have to pay a fine up to $2,000, serve six months in jail, lose your driver’s license for up to a year, and pay an additional $3,000 to retain your license once you get it back. Safety officials say that if convicted with any association to impaired driving arrest can add up to more than $17,000 for bail, legal fees, court appearances, court-ordered classes, vehicle insurance increases, and other expenses.
According to the Texas Department of Transportation data, over 1,200 people died regionally in alcohol-related crashes over the last five years with over 5,600 people experiencing serious injuries.
Just a few helpful tips if you plan on partying for Spring Break.
- Do not drink if your underage.
- To all families that will be traveling during the spring break be sure to drive responsibly. If you do decided to drink please make sure that you have a designated drive to give you a ride home, if not fetch a cab or uber.
- Be aware local laws and do not violate them
- Keep a close eye on your drink and do not leave it unattended
