The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced the start of the “Impaired Driving National Enforcement Crackdown” running from August 19th through the end of Labor Day weekend. More than 10,000 law enforcement agencies nationwide will be participating in this crackdown to remove impaired drivers from the road before they can hurt themselves or others.

According to NHTSA, in 2009 alone, 10,839 people died in crashes throughout the US in which a driver or motorcycle rider was at or above the legal limit. The age group with the highest percentage of alcohol-impaired-driving fatalities in motor vehicle traffic crashes was the 21-to-24 age group. Approximately one-third of all highway deaths are due to impaired driving and nearly half of those deaths occur between 9 p.m. and 3 a.m. For that reason, law enforcement agencies will have a heavy presence, conducting road blocks and sobriety checkpoints during the evening hours.


Nationwide the legal limit for drunk driving is .08 Blood Alcohol Content (B.A.C.). While that may be the legal limit to prove intoxication, a driver can still be arrested for DUI with a lower B.A.C. if, in the judgment of the arresting officer, their ability to drive safely is impaired.

Drivers who are arrested for DUI will go to jail!

During this period, the Nueces County District Attorney’s office announced that they would be sponsoring a "no refusal" Labor Day weekend, with phlebotomists available for immediate blood draws and warrants if needed to test drivers suspected of being under the influence.

According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT);

• In 2010, there were 25,032 alcohol-related crashes in Texas that resulted in 1,057 deaths and 16,877 injuries.


• In 2010, more alcohol-related crashes occurred between 2am and 3am than any other hour of the day. Also, more alcohol related crashes occurred on Saturday than any other day of the week.


• In 2010, 34.9 percent of the total traffic fatalities in Texas were caused by drivers under the influence of alcohol.


• In 2010, 24 percent of people killed in alcohol-related crashes in Texas were between the ages of 20 and 25. However, this age segment only represents 9 percent of the overall state population.


• A DWI arrest and conviction in Texas can cost up to $17,000 or more: fees include car towing, impoundment, bail, attorney fees, court costs, hearing and fees to regain and retain driver's license, DWI fine, probation costs, fees for extended proof of insurance, plus insurance rate hikes.

According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, a similar enforcement effort over the 4th of July holiday period resulted in 1,406 arrests. All available law enforcement officers will be on the roads. They will also be taking part in "Operation Care" (Combined Accident Reduction Effort) issuing citations to speeders and drivers who aren't wearing a seatbelt.

Before you had out consider new Technology to Prevent Drunk Driving. Be Safe this Labor Day Weekend!

Labels: alcohol impaired drivers, alcohol-related crashes, b.a.c., blood alcohol content, driving under the influence, DUI