Over the past few years, the Austin Police Department has been stepping up DWI prevention efforts by instituting no refusal weekends during time periods when incidences of drunk driving increase.

For New Year’s Eve, Bastrop also decided to adopt a no refusal policy for the first time. Several other areas around Austin have adopted stricter drunk driving policies. For example, Bexar County now enforces a no refusal policy year-round. Burnet County also expedites warrants for alcohol-related blood draws round the clock; according to the Assistant Burnet County Attorney, most individuals arrested on DWI charges have twice the legal BAC limit.

Texas has more alcohol-related crash fatalities than any other state. As a result, counties are becoming more proactive in their DWI-prevention efforts. Remember to always have a designated driver. For more information regarding DWI cases, contact McMinn Law today.

The National Transportation Safety Board of the United States recently recommended a nationwide ban on cell phone use while driving. Officials from the transportation board claim that distracted driving is becoming as serious of a safety issue as intoxicated driving. Additionally, the report claimed that hands-free devices are no safer than traditional cell phones. Previously, the board had recommended restrictions on cell phone use for inexperienced drivers, commercial vehicle drivers, and in school zones. However, if states acted on this recommendation, all non-emergency cell phone use while driving would be illegal.

To make the recommendation, the NTSB analyzed data regarding distracted driving and cell phone usage. More than 3000 individuals died last year as a result of distracted driving, including a particularly devastating pile-up in Missouri that resulted in two deaths and 38 injuries. However, despite the NTSB recommendation, many states are hesitant to adopt a complete ban on cell phone use while driving.

Austin has taken several steps to reduce incidences of distracted driving, including banning texting while driving. Additionally, all cell phone use is banned in school zones. There are very few limitations, however, on making calls or other forms of cell phone usage while driving. Almost 100 car crashes in Austin per year are caused by using a cell phone while driving. If you have been involved in an accident caused by cell phone use or distracted driving, contact the McMinn Law Firm today.

The deaths of two teenagers shortly before the year’s end were the 53rd and 54th traffic fatalities in Austin of 2011. The accident occurred at South 1st and Thelma Drive, where the victims were crossing the street in the crosswalk when a pick-up truck struck them.

The startling number of pedestrian deaths has prompted the Austin Police Department to take measures to promote pedestrian safety, including the formation of the Pedestrian Enforcement Safety Team (PEST). Texas is one of the top ten states for pedestrian fatalities, and Austin alone has experienced 20 pedestrian deaths in 2011. As a result of the most recent deaths, dozens of individuals gathered to rally for further pedestrian protection efforts. As a result, the Austin city council agreed to investigate the area of the crash and develop measures to make Austin safer for pedestrians.

Austin is a walkable city, and many residents choose to walk or bike instead of driving. The APD recommends that pedestrians walk on sidewalks when possible, cross at intersections, and wear bright colors at night. If you have been the victim of a pedestrian accident, contact the McMinn Law Firm today.

In 2011, 31 cameras were installed in Austin–27 downtown and four near Rundberg and I-35. The cameras are part of the new HALO (Higher Activity Location Observation) initiative and are monitored by officers around the clock to look for signs of criminal activity.

Officers claim the cameras allow them to dispatch officers more effectively and identify suspects more easily and now the project is looking to expand access to security cameras within private businesses. By contracting with the businesses, Austin police would be able to tap into web-based security cameras if there is a call to the location. Some cameras would show the inside of the establishment, while others that aim outside may help shed light on criminal activity in the street.

Several civil rights groups have expressed concern over the cameras but APD defends their use by claiming that they help solve crimes more efficiently.