Full Notification

DATE : 3/10/10

TIME : 0720

CASE NUMBER :

INCIDENT TYPE : Spring Break Impaired Driving Mobilization

OFFICER SUBMITTING RELEASE : Sgt. Steve Davis



DETAILS : The Amarillo Police Department will be participating in the Spring Break Impaired Driving Mobilization. The Department received a grant earlier this year from the Texas Department of Transportation that funds extra officers to patrol and concentrate on impaired drivers during specific holiday periods throughout this year. Spring Break is a holiday period that is generally associated with travel. With high school and college students out for the break, drinking and partying will be on the rise. Along with the extra travel associated with this break, this combination can be dangerous. The Amarillo Police Department will put extra officers on DWI saturation patrols. The extra officers will focus on impaired drivers during the period of March 12th through March 21st.

About every 20 minutes in Texas, someone is hurt or killed in a crash involving alcohol. We urge you to take responsibility for your actions. Don’t drink and drive. Impairment begins with the first drink.

In Texas, a person is legally intoxicated and may be arrested and charged with DWI with a .08 blood or breath alcohol concentration. However a person is also intoxicated if impaired due to alcohol or other drugs regardless of BAC.

A first offense can result in a fine of up to $2,000, 3-days to 180-days in jail, loss of a driver license up to a year, and an annual fee of $1,000 to $2,000 for 3-years to retain a driver license.

An arrest and conviction for a DWI can cost a bundle: fees include car towing, impoundment, bail, attorney fees, court costs, hearing and fees to regain and retain driver license, DWI fine, probation costs, fees for extended proof of insurance, plus insurance rate hikes. Recent studies indicate a DWI arrest and conviction in Texas can cost from $5,000 to $24,000 or more.

Plan ahead if you plan to drink. Designate a driver, call a cab or someone you trust to pick you up, or spend the night where you are.