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.

Police are implementing a “no-refusal” weekend for Friday and Saturday because of Austin’s Republic of Texas Biker Rally, which is expected to bring 40,000 motorcyclists to the city. Both Austinites and bikers will be subject to the policy, which gives police an automatic warrant to draw blood from anyone who refuses a Breathalyzer test.

The policy was put in place after Austin saw three alcohol-related fatalities, all involving motorcycles, during the Rally last year. DWIs also spike during the ROT Rally, which usually leads to about 100 arrests for the ROT Rally weekend. The last time Austin police implemented a no-refusal policy was Memorial Day weekend. Those three days yielded about 50 arrests.

Austin police are also asking all drivers, whether on two wheels or four, to drive carefully this weekend. Extra traffic, an influx of visitors, and alcohol may create dangerous conditions on the road, making it even more critical to be aware of one’s surroundings.

There are more than 961,000 licensed motorcyclists in the state of Texas and this month the Department of Public Safety and the McMinn Law Firm want to remind drivers to be mindful of them when they are out on the road. May is National Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month and last year more than 3,000 riders were killed in accidents across the United States. Motorcycle accidents can cause severe injuries and we encourage riders to wear all of their protective gear when they are out on the roads.

Here are some more motorcycle related statistics:

• Motorcycle accidents have decreased substantially over the last two years from 5,312 in 2008 to an estimated 3,600 in 2010.
• The average engine size in 1990 was 769cc compared to 959 cc in 2001. As engines sizes increased 24 percent, deaths over that same period increased roughly 55 percent.
• 60 percent of deaths from single vehicle accidents occur at night and many of them are the result of failing to properly navigate a curve
• According to one study, the recent decline in motorcycle deaths is the result of fewer recreational riders following the recession
• More than 96 percent of motorcycle accidents result in some kind of injury to the rider

Over the past several years, we have represented many individuals involved in accidents while riding their bikes or motorcycles.  I’ve come to learn that motorcycle riders and bike riders are faced with additional responsibilities in addition to the unique dangers they face on our roads and highways.  Make no mistake, when you are riding your bike, you are often at the mercy of those drivers who are on four wheels. 

The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration has discovered that individuals riding motorcycles are thirty seven times more likely to die in an accident than an individual riding in a car.  In every motorcycle case I have represented, the injuries sustained by the rider are almost always more serious and often life threatening. 

Over the years, Austin has become a friendlier motorcycle and biker town.  This has led to more riders and inevitable more accidents.  If you or a loved one is involved in a motorcycle accident, it’s extremely important to know your rights.  Because of the serious damages that typically occur in motorcycle collisions, these cases often become hotly litigated.  That is why it is extremely important that you consult an experienced attorney to protect your rights..

Our lawyers are highly trained in motorcycle accident cases and are available to give you a free consultation upon request. If you are involved in an Austin motorcycle accident, call the McMinn Law Firm today at (512) 474-0222.