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.

This New Year’s Eve, the city of Austin is taking several steps to reduce incidences of DWI. The Austin Police Department announced that a No Refusal initiative will be in effect from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. During this time, any driver who is pulled over on suspicion of drunk driving must take a Breathalyzer test or will be immediately served with a warrant for a blood draw. Last year, the initiative lasted only one day and resulted in 15 DWI arrests.

The City of Austin is also offering a family-friendly alternative to Sixth Street’s New Year’s Eve celebrations. Austin’s New Year is a celebration complete with music, film, and fireworks that will take place at Auditorium Shores from 5 to 10:30 p.m. on December 31st. Additionally, for residents who will be downtown, Capital Metro will be offering free night owl buses from midnight to 3 a.m. on January 1.

We at McMinn Law Firm wish you a happy and safe new year. During the holidays, DWI arrests and alcohol-related crashes significantly increase, so be sure to find a designated driver or take a cab if you plan to drink.

Traveling during the holidays can be particularly dangerous, due in a large part to an increase in traffic, incidences of drunk driving, and the likelihood of inclement weather. As a result, two Texas agencies are stepping up efforts to make the roadways safer this year.

Until January 1st, the Texas Department of Public Safety will be spending a $1.5 million grant to increase trooper presence along major roads. The troopers will be on the lookout for drunk drivers, as alcohol-related crashes and fatalities significantly increases during the holidays. Additionally, the DPS is advising drivers to stay alert and cautious as they travel.

The Texas Department of Transportation also aims to make the roads safer through a number of public service announcement campaigns ranging from television commercials to coasters in bars. The department hopes that a reminder to call a cab instead of driving drunk will cut down on DWIs.

If you have been charged with a DWI during the holiday season, we can represent you fairly. Contact McMinn Law Firm today.

When officers arrest an individual for DWI, they ask them if they remember where they had their last drink. Their answers are then compiled by the Austin Police Department to help them determine resource allocation. The list doesn’t necessarily indicate problem bars because an individual’s answer could be incorrect and locations / traffic patterns may make it easier to catch drivers from certain areas.

APD released their list for 2011 (through October) and below are the top ten bars that individuals reported having their last drink before their arrest: