TxDOT Teaches DWI Consequences with "Drink. Drive. Go To Jail." Program

The Texas Department of Transportation is targeting college campuses with its dose-of-reality touring campaign "Drink. Drive. Go to Jail."

2013-01-11

January 11, 2013 (Press-News.org) The invincibility of youth. Many college kids drink alcohol and figure that the bad things that could happen will not happen to them. But a high proportion of alcohol-related motor vehicle accidents involve young drivers, especially males, so the Texas Department of Transportation is targeting college campuses with its dose-of-reality touring campaign "Drink. Drive. Go to Jail."

According to the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, Texas Tech Police Sgt. Michael Macias reported that in Texas just under "14,000 males between ages 18 and 34 were responsible for DWI accidents in 2011."

In August 2012, the crime-deterrent program landed at Texas Tech in Lubbock, where college students got to see what it feels like to be arrested for driving while intoxicated. TxDOT, with the help of local law enforcement, simulated the experience with orange jumpsuits, mug shots and time in a jail cell on wheels.

The agency also plays the money card. One program activity lets people guess how expensive a first-time DWI conviction can be by breaking down the various components of a total "bill" of up to $17,000, possibly including:
- Fines
- Bail
- Legal fees
- Alcohol education classes
- Increased insurance premiums
- License reinstatement fees and future surcharges
- Vehicle impoundment costs

And it only gets more expensive (and other punishments more severe) with each subsequent DWI.

In addition to these financial consequences, other types of negative ramifications and penalties are possible from a drunk-driving conviction like:
- Incarceration
- Probation
- License suspension
- Criminal record that can limit educational, housing, vocational and financial opportunities
- Vehicle damage
- Ignition interlock device (mobile breath test installed in car)
- Remorse and guilt for causing injury or death to others
- Societal stigma

It's common knowledge that Texas leads among U.S. states in its annual numbers of DWI accidents and related fatalities, so it makes sense why public officials and law enforcement are trying to prevent drinking and driving any way they can, as reflected in the steepness of state DWI penalties.

Of course, it's always the best idea not to drink and drive. But people sometimes exercise poor judgment or are falsely accused. Anyone charged with drunk driving in Texas should seek the assistance of an experienced DWI defense attorney for advice and representation.

A lawyer can investigate the accident itself and review whether the police followed correct and legal procedures during the arrest and in administering chemical breath or blood tests, or field sobriety tests like whether the driver can balance on one foot or recite the alphabet.

In addition, legal counsel can advise and represent the defendant at every step of the process. For example, should a license suspension hearing be requested? Should the defendant consider negotiating a plea agreement or proceed to trial? Might the attorney be able to get the charges reduced?

Be sure to consult a knowledgeable Texas criminal defense lawyer instead of facing DWI with its potentially devastating consequences alone.

Article provided by Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg
Visit us at www.randallisenberg.com

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