The Early Police Department is joining forces with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDot) and other law enforcement agencies across Texas in the Impaired Driver Mobilization (IDM) Campaign. The purpose of the IDM Campaign is to reduce the number of DWI related crashes, injuries, and fatalities through the use of dedicated DWI patrols. Alcohol related traffic fatalities continue to occur on the roadways in Brown County.
From December 15th , 2016 to January 1, 2017 the Early Police Department will deploy dedicated DWI patrols on the streets of Early. These DWI patrols will consist of officers working in an overtime capacity and be dedicated solely to the detection of apprehension of DWI offenders. This effort is funded by a grant in partnership with the Texas Department of Transportation. Driving under the influence is a Crime. Driving under the influence, also known as Driving while intoxicated (DWI), drunk Driving or impaired driving is the crime of driving a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs, including those prescribed by a physician. Impaired driving doesn’t mean “drunk driving”.
Impaired means not having the normal use of mental or physical faculties or having an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more. We want everyone to have a safe holidays and that includes intentional efforts to avoid drinking and driving. Drivers have may alternatives to driving while intoxicated. They can call a cab, ask a friend or family member for a ride, hand their keys to a designated driver or simply stay put until they sober up. They can also take advantage of TXDOT’s website Soberrides.org which list ride options in areas throughout Texas.
DWI is a serious crime and is 100 percent preventable. Conviction for a 1st time DWI offenders can pay a fine of up to $2000, lose their driver’s license for up to a year and serve as much as 180 days in jail. Other consequences associated with a DWI arrest and conviction can add up to as much as $17,000 or more for bail, legal fees, court appearances, court-ordered classes, vehicle insurance increases and other expenses.
