More than 10,000 law enforcement agencies across the country, including local agencies in Texas, have partnered with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for its annual Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign.
Police will be out in full force through Monday, Sept. 7, cracking down on drunk drivers and other types of violators. They will have a zero tolerance policy toward drivers with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at or above the legal limit of .08.
Drunk driving is a 100 percent preventable crime that, despite years of advertising and enforcement campaigns, still plagues roads across the country. Although the number of drunk drivers on the road has decreased, there are still too many drivers who risk putting their lives and the lives of everyone else on the road at risk.
Last year, the Texas Department of Transportation recorded 21 deaths, 42 serious injuries and 338 alcohol-related accidents over the Labor Day holiday. The goal this year, and every year, is to get that number down to zero.
Many communities also implement a no-refusal program in conjunction with the campaign. This authorizes law enforcement officials to obtain blood samples from suspected drunk drivers. Those convicted of driving while under the influence in Texas could face fines up to $17,000 in addition to possible jail time and the loss of their drivers license.
Everyone is encouraged to have a plan before going out this weekend: designate a sober driver, call a cab or transportation app, use mass transit, or call a friend.
A Fort Worth auto accident lawyer at Anderson Cummings have seen first-hand the devastation that these types of accidents can cause. If you are injured by a drunk driver, do not hesitate to contact our experienced team of injury attorneys today.
Call (817) 920-9000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form.