Labor Day traditionally signals the end of summer. But don’t expect Texas law enforcement to take any time off when it comes to arresting drunk drivers. Although you might be tempted to drink a few beers at a cookout with family and friends, you should avoid getting behind the wheel if you do so. The Texas Department of Transportation has announced that it will increase enforcement of Texas DWI laws through the holiday weekend. If you get stopped, make sure your first phone call is to Tad Nelson & Associates to speak with one of our experienced DWI defense attorneys.
Accidents Jump around Labor Day
The Texas Department of Transportation has a rational reason for increasing police enforcement of DWI during Labor Day. In 2022, there were almost 350 alcohol-related crashes during the Labor Day weekend. Twenty people were killed and another 62 suffered serious injuries.
These numbers are higher than the averages for the rest of the year (which are too high as it is). Instead, more people are likely to be drinking and driving because they are celebrating and possibly not working on Labor Day itself. Texas law enforcement is focusing like a laser up through September 4 on pulling over those suspected of drunk driving.
New DWI Law in Effect
As we’ve written before, Texas recently adopted Bentley’s Law, which requires that those convicted of intoxication manslaughter pay child support if they kill the parent of a young child. Governor Abbott signed it into law in June of this year. Bentley’s Law is one more reason to avoid drinking and driving for the remainder of 2023.
Mothers Against Drunk Driving pushed the law on the grounds that justice required it. If you are convicted of intoxication manslaughter, a judge will decide how much you need to pay if you killed one or both parents. It’s possible to continue to pay for more than a decade.
How to Avoid a DWI during Labor Day
All the regular suggestions apply during the holidays:
- Get an Uber or Lyft
- Take public transportation
- Decide on a designated driver to transport everyone
But the holidays make it difficult to follow this advice. So many people are off work that public transportation could be crowded, and it might be difficult to get an Uber or Lyft. Also, everyone at your barbecue might be drinking and no one volunteers to drive you home.
Your best bet, then, is to not drink at all. That’s difficult, but the last thing you need is a drunk driving charge as you move into autumn. We expect PD to start pulling over anyone who even remotely looks intoxicated. Swerve out of your lane because you changed the dials on your dash and expect to see some lights in your rearview mirror.
Call Tad Nelson Today
Our law firm had helped hundreds of people facing DWI charges, including repeat offenders and those with a very high blood alcohol concentration. Please call our firm to schedule a consultation with a DWI defense attorney.
