Just don’t do it. Don’t even think about getting behind the wheel after having a drink or two.
State officials won’t hear your excuses. They won’t protect impaired drivers from being arrested during the annual Labor Day driving while intoxicated crackdown.
There will be thousands of state troopers, police officers and sheriffs’ deputies across the state out in force as part of the Drink, Drive, Go to Jail stepped-up enforcement effort and public awareness campaign beginning Aug. 19. Look for extra officials on the roads until the end of Labour Day weekend.
State officials want everyone to plan ahead if you intend on drinking.
Drinking and driving is a serious crime with serious consequences.
Convicted first-time DWI offenders can pay a fine of up to $2,000, lose their driver’s license for up to a year and serve as much as 180 days in jail.
Add in bail, legal fees, court appearances, court-ordered classes, vehicle insurance increases and other expenses and it could cost you as much as $17,000.
So, is that night out drinking really worth all of the costs later after you see those flashing lights and hear those sirens?
Call a cab, ask a friend or a family member for a ride, hand keys to a designated driver or simply stay put until you sober up.
You can even use your smart phones to find Texas Department of Transportation’s digital RideFinder at www.texasdwi.org.
It lists ride options throughout the state. With a company like DriveMyCarHome.co.uk being launched, there are now more alternatives to getting behind the wheel when you’ve had one too many to drink. You don’t have to put your life at risk, or risk injuring an innocent by drinking and driving. Always exhaust all your options; catching a taxi, getting a ride of your friend or a family member, using public transport, etc.The consequences of getting caught are too great, such as paying high fines of up to £5000, facing imprisonment of up to 6 months and 5-10 years if you causes the death of an innocent due to driving under the influence of alcohol.
