STAFF REPORT
The Kyle Police Department and officers around the state are sending a message to all motorists this Labor Day as part of the annual Labor Day DWI enforcement campaign: “Drink. Drive. Go To Jail.”
Beginning last weekend and continuing through Sept. 5, the Kyle PD will step up enforcement and awareness activities to prevent drunk driving on the city’s roadways. The police department, in conjunction with other local and state agencies, is participating in this effort to increase awareness of the consequences of driving while intoxicated in Texas.
“The Kyle Police Department is committed to enhancing roadway safety in our community,” said Kyle Police Chief Jeff Barnett. “The Labor Day holiday weekend is often a dangerous time, as families try to end their summer with one last trip. We would like to do our part to make that trip a safe and happy one, as opposed to a tragic one. As part of the statewide traffic initiative, the Kyle Police Department will be using every available resource to enforce the state and local traffic laws to promote roadway safety and compliance.”
Convicted first time DWI offenders can pay a fine of up to $2,000, lose their driver’s license for up to one year and serve as much as 180 days in jail. Other costs associated with an impaired driving arrest and conviction can add up to as much as $17,000 or more for bail, legal fees, court appearances, court-ordered classes, vehicle insurance increases and other expenses.
With Texas leading the nation in drunk driving crashes and fatalities, it is imperative that citizens follow the law and seek alternative methods to driving after drinking. The Kyle PD urges impaired individuals to call a cab, ask a friend or family member for a ride or use a designated driver; this could prevent potential injury, or worse, fatality on the roadways.
In 2010, the state of Texas reported 25,032 alcohol-related crashes, of which there were 1,057 deaths and 16,877 injuries. The Kyle PD urges residents to drive safely, stay buckled up and avoid any instances of driving while intoxicated, not just on holidays but every day.
“We would be very happy to not issue a single ticket or arrest a single person,” Barnett said. “However, if a driver is going to be reckless and put the public at risk, we are going to do everything possible to stop that activity.”
