Southlake Police Prepare for “No Refusal” Initiative this Holiday Weekend

Please Don’t Drink and Drive!

The Thanksgiving Holiday weekend is almost here and the Southlake Police Department wants to remind everyone to drive safely and to not drink and drive.  Southlake P.D. will again take part in the Tarrant County “NO REFUSAL WEEKEND” from Wednesday, November 26th at 9:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. Monday, December 1st..   This means if you are arrested for DWI and refuse to give a breath sample or allow your blood to be drawn, the officer will apply for a search warrant to have a specimen of blood taken from you.

The consequences of drinking and driving are severe. Did you know—that someone is hurt or killed in a crash involving alcohol almost every 20 minutes? The Southlake Police Department is urging everyone to be safe this Thanksgiving Weekend.  One poor decision can change lives forever. If you plan to drink, please plan ahead by arranging to have a designated driver bring you home or take a taxi.  Individuals arrested for DWI face serious consequences including jail time and fines but more importantly, they risk taking a life or causing serious harm to themselves and others.

In Texas, a person is legally intoxicated and may be arrested and charged with DWI with a 0.08 BAC (blood or breath alcohol concentration). However, a person is also intoxicated if impaired due to alcohol or other drugs regardless of BAC. Whether you’re the driver or the passenger, you can be fined up to $500 for having an open alcohol container in a vehicle.

The penalties increase if you are arrested for DWI with a child passenger, cause bodily injury or death to another person.  Besides an arrest for driving while intoxicated, you can also face charges for child endangerment, intoxication assault, or intoxication manslaughter. These offenses, in conjunction with DWI, are punishable by significant fines, and lengthy prison sentences.

The fines and punishments increase dramatically following a first offense. Don’t risk getting a DWI conviction.  Play it safe by remembering a few simple tips.

• Don’t drink and drive.
• Plan ahead and designate a driver.
• Call a cab, or a sober friend.
• Spend the night where you are, if possible.

Southlake Police Officers will continue to work to keep the City streets and highways safe this Thanksgiving weekend.  For more information http://www.txdot.gov/safety/tips/intoxication.htm