A special enforcement program targeting impaired drivers during the Christmas and New Year’s holidays was successful in removing more drunk drivers off Texas roadways.
Texas Highway Patrol troopers arrested 1,106 drivers across Texas for driving while intoxicated during the holiday period from Dec. 21 to Jan. 1. Of those arrests, 442 were made by troopers whose patrols were funded through a Texas Department of Transportation grant targeting impaired driving in high-risk locations during the times when alcohol-related crashes occur most frequently.
“The special grant allowed us to stay out on the road longer, and arrest more drunk drivers,” said David Baker, Assistant Director for the Texas Highway Patrol. “We were able to arrest 288 more people in 2010 than in 2009. As always, the Highway Patrol urges you to designate a sober driver if you are going to drink alcohol.”
The $2 million special mobilization grant will run throughout 2011, allowing DPS to have additional targeted DWI patrols during Spring Break, Independence Day and Labor Day.
