On the approaching long weekend, law enforcement agencies in Harris County, Texas are ramping up efforts to raise awareness on the dangers of drunk driving. On Thursday, May 23, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, Harris County District Attorney’s Office, Texas Department of Public Safety, and the American Automobile Association (AAA) jointly held a press conference to announce enhanced enforcement measures during the holiday period and to educate the public about the perils of driving under the influence.
The event was attended by Ed Gonzalez, Sheriff of Harris County, Acting Chief of the Houston Police Department Larry Satterwhite, multiple officers, Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg, Assistant District Attorney Lauren Bard, and other officials. Sheriff Gonzalez emphasized that drunk driving is irresponsible and endangers both oneself and others, stating, “If you’ve been drinking, don’t drive. This should be the case not just during holidays but every day.” Satterwhite noted that nearly 2,200 drivers linked to drunk driving have been arrested in Houston since last October.
During the press conference, District Attorney Kim Ogg mentioned that Harris County has already seen at least 24 cases of intoxicated manslaughter this year. Over the long weekend, judges will be on call to issue search warrants for blood tests on suspected drunk drivers. Ogg emphasized, “If you choose to drink and drive and are stopped by law enforcement, you will be going to jail.”
Assistant District Attorney Lauren Bard added that drunk driving charges range from first-time offenses to multiple infractions, with first-time offenders facing potential sentences of up to 180 days in jail, along with fines and license suspensions that can lead to higher insurance costs. Several individuals who had lost family members in drunk driving accidents were present at the event, condemning the reckless behavior of driving under the influence.
The AAA estimated that during each long weekend, an average of three to four million Texans take to the roads. Therefore, it is important to exercise caution and remind family and friends not to drink and drive for the safety of everyone on the road. In Texas, convictions for drunk driving or drugged driving are equally severe due to the state’s stringent approach towards alcohol-related accidents. Given that one person dies in an alcohol-related incident every 39 minutes, Texas prohibits expunging drunk driving convictions, emphasizing the serious consequences that can follow a conviction – such as jeopardizing job opportunities, hindering professional licensing, and losing scholarships.
Even for first-time offenders, driving while intoxicated (DWI) by alcohol or drugs, including prescription substances, can result in imprisonment and the loss of driving privileges in Texas. The legal consequences are not limited to alcohol consumption; carrying open alcohol containers in the vehicle is also illegal. For more information on related laws and regulations, visit www.txdot.gov/safety/driving-laws.