• 23
  • December
    2010

A few weeks ago, a blog post discussed how the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and several other federal agencies have named December "National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month" in order to cut down on the number of holiday DWIs.

Interestingly, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) also has a statewide ad campaign designed to cut down on drunk driving crashes and fatalities during the height of the holiday season. The message?

"Don't drive if you're tipsy, buzzed or Blitzen. Call a cab or get a sober ride home."

The ad campaign features Santa's reindeer and elves in a variety of humorous situations, and can be found on posters, coasters, digital jukeboxes and even Facebook.

"We want everyone to enjoy a safe and happy holiday season," said TxDOT Traffic Operations Director Carol Rawson. "That's why we're making a special effort to reach motorists with 'don't drink and drive' reminders popping up online as well as at locations where alcohol is served or purchased."

According to many safety experts, the month of December tends to produce many more driving while intoxicated-related arrests, crashes and fatalities than any other month.

To illustrate, since 2003, Texas has averaged over 2,400 DWI-related crashes - including 80 fatalities - in the month of December.

Why is the DWI rate so much higher in December?

Simply put, December is one of the most popular months for parties, gatherings or other holiday celebrations. At these various festivities, gifts are exchanged, stories are shared, specially prepared food is eaten and alcoholic drinks are consumed. In fact, alcohol is a staple of most holiday events.

Because of this fact, TxDOT has indicated that "law enforcement statewide will be working overtime to find and arrest impaired drivers from now through New Year's Day."

Please remember, if you are arrested for DWI and are thinking about trying to save money by using a public defender or handling the matter yourself, you may want to reconsider. An experienced DWI defense attorney will know the best way to handle your ALR hearing to protect your driver's license, as well as the strategies that the police and prosecutors are likely to use in their case. By having your own attorney at your side throughout the process, you will be protected from saying or doing anything that will be used against you in court.

Stay tuned for further developments from our Dallas criminal defense blog ...

Related Resources:

Holiday 'Don't Drink & Drive' Campaign (Texas Department of Transportation)