Law enforcement agencies in Tarrant County are working in partnership to crackdown on impaired drivers by instituting a ?No Refusal? policy over the three-day holiday weekend. Under this program, those stopped for suspected impaired driving who refuse to take a routine breath test will instead be subject to a court-ordered blood test. {{more}}
?Every day in the U.S., 28 people die as a result of drunk driving crashes ? that?s more than 10,000 Americans each year,? said Criminal District Attorney, Sharen Wilson. ?In Tarrant County we have a zero tolerance policy; if you choose to get behind the wheel of a potentially deadly weapon and drive under the influence this Fourth of July, you just may forfeit your independence.?
Sheriffs and police officers from departments around the county will be posted starting Friday night, with access to expedited judicial warrants and centralized blood-draw locations.
?We support ?No Refusal? because we believe the citizens of Tarrant County should be able to travel our roadways this holiday weekend without putting their lives at risk,? said Tarrant ACDA Richard Alpert, the State?s leading ex-pert on DWI and intoxication manslaughter prosecution. ?Ending up dead or in jail is a poor way to celebrate our country?s independence.?
This July 4th weekend, please:
- Designate a sober driver before the festivities begin.
- Program your phone with phone numbers for local cab companies, or ride services like Uber, or make arrangements to be picked up by a sober friend or family member.
- If you?re hosting a party where alcohol will be served, remind your guests to plan ahead and designate their sober driver, and make sure all your guests leave with a sober driver.
- Don?t let friends or loved ones drive if they?ve been drinking ? take away their keys.
- Report impaired drivers by calling 911.
The ?No Refusal? policy will be in effect until 5:30am on Monday, July 6th.
?No Refusal? Weekend
9:30pm, Friday, July 3 ? 5:30am, Monday, July 6
