Garland Police Department News Release:

Garland Police Increase DWI Enforcement

During the back-to-school time period and the upcoming Labor Day holiday, the Garland Police Department will increase Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) patrols for the Impaired Driver Mobilization (IDM) project. The project is funded through a grant from the Texas Department of Transportation grant which targets DWI along with Driving Under the Influence by Minors (DUI Minor).
 
The additional nighttime patrols began Friday, August 20 and will run through Monday, September 6. Officers will utilize both marked and unmarked police cars for the patrols.
 
So far in 2010, Garland Police have recorded 260 alcohol-related arrests that resulted in DWI or DUI Minor charges. In 2009, 955 people died in alcohol-related traffic crashes across the state of Texas, while 27,108 alcohol-related crashes caused 17,542 injuries (preliminary data).
 
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 180 days in jail. Safety officials say other costs associated with an impaired driving arrest and conviction can add up to more than $17,000 for bail, legal fees, court appearances, court-ordered classes, vehicle insurance increases and other expenses.