As the holiday cheer spreads, Austin officials have a sobering reminder for partygoers: drive safe and stay sober. Starting December 14, the Austin Transportation and Public Works Department, along with the Austin Police Department, will be enforcing the 'No Refusal' initiative every night through January 1, aiming to curb impaired driving, according to Mailchi.mp.
Typically reserved for weekends, the initiative grants officers the authority to seek blood search warrants from drivers refractory to giving up a blood alcohol test upon arrest. The policy is a deterrent for those considering getting behind the wheel after a few too many.
Officials are pointing residents to safe alternatives to driving under the influence with the launch of the 'Know Before You Go, Get Home Safe' webpage. This resource, available to the Austin community, provides a list of transit options ranging from ride-sharing to taxicabs, endorsing the city's Responsible Ride Home program.
Austin has witnessed a chilling toll on its roads this year, with 79 deaths and 414 serious injuries through November 23, according to the Vision Zero Viewer—an online database tracking crash data connected to the city's initiative aiming to eliminate traffic deaths and serious injuries, as stated in Mailchi.mp.
