During the Fourth of July holiday, various law enforcement agencies are always on high alert for drivers who are impaired by alcohol. Statistics gathered by the NHTSA would suggest that over the past 25 years, half of all deadly traffic crashes during this period usually involves alcohol-impaired drivers. In Texas, there were 337 alcohol-related traffic crashes over the Fourth of July holiday weekend.

This is why the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and various law enforcement agencies are teaming up to increase their presence over the weekend in a statewide High Visibility Enforcement effort.

Motorists should notice that by the weekend, there will be a significant increase in presence of law enforcement officials as part of an aggressive crackdown on impaired drivers. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and other local law enforcement throughout Texas have received federal grants to increase their enforcement efforts over the weekend.

"TxDOT is proud to be a part of the high visibility enforcement weekend because it works. The success we've seen in jurisdictions across the state reinforces the message that driving while intoxicated will not be tolerated in Texas." said Carol T. Rawson, P.E., TxDOT, Traffic Operations Director.

This also means an increased promotion of their current anti-drinking-and-driving campaign, which is P.A.S.S. Motorists will be thoroughly reminded that if they will be out to drink, they must have a P.A.S.S., or, Person Appointed to Stay Sober.

You can learn more at: (http://www.facebook.com/KnowWhenToPass)

Drivers must also remember that during this weekend, breath and blood samples are "no-refusals." This means drivers who get pulled over and are suspected of a DWI will not be allowed refusing breath and blood samples and be dealt with accordingly, if found with a BAC higher than what is legal. Drivers who get convicted of DWIs over this Fourth of July weekend may land in jail, which is the exact opposite of what the holiday represents.

Tips for Safe Summer Driving - Have a Happy 4th of July!

Labels: alcohol impaired drivers, drunk driving, DUI, prevent drunk driving, TXDOT