Fourth of July Drunk Driving: Watch Out for Texas DPS This Holiday
When it comes to Fourth of July drunk driving last year, more than 1,400 Texans were arrested for DWI. The Texas Department of Public Safety will be out "in force" again this July 4 holiday, looking for impaired drivers.
DALLAS, TX, July 01, 2012
When it comes to Fourth of July drunk driving last year, more than 1,400 Texans were arrested for DWI. That's a lot of drivers and a lot of arrests. As Domingo Ramirez, Jr. writes for the Star-Telegram, the Texas Department of Public Safety will be out "in force" again this July 4 holiday, looking for impaired drivers.Perhaps DPS will beat last year's number of arrests - don't help them.
But if you do find yourself pulled over, remember that what you do during the traffic stop and what you do at the police station will have an impact on your case. In other words, you need to know what to do if you are stopped.
4th of July Drunk Driving Statistics
The July 4 holiday is one of the deadliest - if not the deadliest - times to be on the road. That's why Texas DPS will be out in force, looking not only for evidence of DWI but also for speeding and other traffic offenses like not wearing a seat belt.
As Ramirez reports, more than 1,000 Texans lose their lives every year in alcohol-related car accidents. And there were more than 10,000 total deaths nationwide in 2010 due to DWI, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
As for the 2010 July 4 holiday, the NHTSA cites nearly 400 deaths in traffic wrecks, 39 percent of which were alcohol-related.
Stopped by the Police for Drinking?
If you've been stopped by the police for drinking this July 4 holiday, be sure to protect yourself. With DPS on the road, you're more likely to get pulled over and subjected to a field sobriety test, which is lawful for an officer to do under implied consent law.
If you see a cop in your rearview mirror, pull over right away, do not talk unless spoken to, promptly hand over your driver's license, and do not argue with the officer. The best thing you can do is invoke your right to an attorney, because if an officer suspects you of DWI, you are likely to be arrested and tested.
Call the Dallas DWI-Defense Lawyers of Crain Lewis
We can help you. Talk to a defense lawyer by calling 214-522-9404 or send us an email. We give free consultations for all prospective clients and their families.
Website: http://dwi.dfwattorneys.com/