Everyone knows that it’s illegal to drink and drive. Yet, people still choose to drink and get behind the wheel. In 2023, Texas was ranked the second worst state for drunk drivers involved in fatal crashes with over 40% of all traffic deaths relating to drinking and driving.
Austin, Texas, had over 1,000 drunk driving crashes in 2023 alone. With the combined efforts of TxDot and the Austin community, we are committed to raising awareness about the devastating impact of drinking and driving.
No Refusal Initiative
You’ve likely seen TxDot’s signs flashing “DWI – No Refusal” across Texas highways, especially during peak travel times like New Year’s and the Fourth of July. During these No Refusal weekends, law enforcement officers can have blood test warrants expedited for suspected intoxicated drivers, even if they initially refuse a sobriety test.
This initiative aims to deter dangerous driving behaviors and protect our community by ensuring that those who choose to drive under the influence are held accountable. In efforts to make our roadways safer, Austin is adopting TxDot’s No Refusal Initiative indefinitely, not just during holiday weekends.
DWI Penalties
First-time offenses for most traffic violations are usually pretty minor. However, this is not the case for a DWI. Even your first offense can result in heavy fines and criminal charges. The penalty for drinking and driving in Texas varies depending on the circumstances.
For first DWI offense, you could be facing:
- Up to a $2,000 fine.
- Three to 180 days in jail.
- A suspended driver’s license for up to one year.
Second Offense:
- Up to a $4,000 fine.
- One month to one year in jail.
- A suspended driver’s license for up to two years.
Third Offense:
- A felony conviction.
- A $10,000 fine.
- Two to 10 years in prison.
- A suspended driver’s license for up to two years.
Any conviction of a DWI after your second offense will be a felony charge. Due to the three-strike legislation in Texas, a set of laws that increase prison sentences for people with multiple felonies, your fifth DWI conviction could potentially sentence you to 25 years to life in prison.
Additional factors such as an excessively elevated blood alcohol content level, having a minor in the vehicle, or intoxicated manslaughter can intensify these penalties.
Impacts on Our Community
In February of 2024, an Austin pedestrian lost his life due to a collision with a drunk driver. An intoxicated 41-year-old male rear-ended another driver before hitting the pedestrian on Highway 290 around 2:30 am. The pedestrian died at the scene.
In July of 2024, an intoxicated driver of a grey SUV hit a blue SUV stalled in a traffic lane in Austin. The passenger of the blue SUV was pronounced dead on the scene, while the driver was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. The intoxicated driver was taken to the hospital for minor injuries before being arrested.
In August of 2024, a 22-year-old intoxicated male was traveling down North Lamar Boulevard in Austin when he hit two pedestrians. The 21-year-old male and 50-year-old male were both pronounced dead on the scene, and the driver was arrested on a DWI charge.
In September of 2024, the driver of an SUV collided with a motorcycle. Shortly after, an intoxicated driver of a pickup truck also crashed into the motorcyclist. The 21-year-old motorcyclist was transported to the hospital and pronounced dead. The driver of the pickup truck was arrested on a DWI charge.
Drunk driving has endless victims. Before going out for drinks, have a plan in place for a safe ride home. Call a friend or call an Uber, but don’t drink and drive.
If you or a loved one has been injured by a drunk driver, contact a qualified personal injury attorney to help get you full value for your injury.
