As the festive season quickly approaches, the Garland Police Department has announced a significant increase in its efforts to combat drunk driving. According to a recent social media post from the Garland Police Department, there will be a heightened DWI enforcement from December 12 through January 1, aimed at preventing impaired driving and ensuring safer roadways during the holidays. Garland Police will be deploying both marked and unmarked patrol units to actively monitor and deter potential DWI offenders.
In Texas, the penalties for a DWI conviction are strict, with a first-time offense potentially resulting in fines up to $2,000, a jail term of up to 180 days, and a driver’s license suspension for up to one year. Additionally, the financial fallout from getting arrested and convicted of a DWI can quickly add up, often exceeding $17,000 when accounting for bail, court fees, attorney fees, mandatory education programs, and the inevitable rise in auto insurance premiums. This information was detailed by the Garland Police Department as a clear reminder to avoid drunk driving.
The statistics shared by the department paint a sobering picture, emphasizing the gravity of the issue at hand. In the year 2023, alcohol-related crashes in Texas resulted in the fatalities of more than 1,100 people, making up over 26% of all traffic-related deaths in the state. With these numbers in mind, the Garland Police are urging both residents and visitors to take proactive steps to ensure they safely return home after holiday festivities. Planning for a sober ride home, designating a sober driver, and making use of rideshare or public transit if alcohol consumption is in the cards, are strongly advised practices by the police force.
