37 DWI Arrests During ROT Rally Weekend

The “No Refusal” weekend netted the Austin Police Department 37 DWI (driving while intoxicated) arrests during this past weekend’s 17th annual ROT Rally festival.  Three alcohol-related fatalities during 2010′s three-day ROT Rally was the underlying reason for this year’s heightened enforcement, according to APD Commander Jason Dusterhoft.  For any motorcyclist who was suspected of drunk driving and refused a breath or blood test, a judge was on duty to write blood test warrants.  Out of the 37 DWI’s, 20 resulted in blood draws, 16 in search warrants and 1 consent blood draw.  Out of the estimated 50,000 motorcyclists enthusiasts in attendance at the ROT Rally, 37 DWI’s accounted for less than 1% of event attendees.

Did the “No Refusal” weekend APD strategy make a difference?   This year, two motorcyclists died and three other accidents left motorcyclists critically injured.  However, it is still unknown if alcohol played a role in any of these crashes.   Approximately 53% of year-round traffic deaths in Austin are alcohol-related.