The DWI problem in the state of Texas continues to evade authorities. Despite the best efforts of the best law enforcement in the nation, we still have a problem that seems like it is getting worse and not better.
Recently, authorities in Montgomery County, Texas indicated that they average about 60 DWI arrests per week. Harris County, on the the other hand averages about 50 drunken-driving arrests per day. And the trend continues to demonstrate why the Houston area leads the nation in fatal DWI accidents.
It seems that the state of Texas overall has a serious DWI accident problem. Many communities have taken steps to combat the issue by aggressive enforcement and also such things as the “no refusal” policy which enables law enforcement to simultaneously obtain a warrant for a blood test for those who refuse a test. That program is very expensive and is not been fully utilized for that reason.
Other communities such as Montgomery County, Texas have taken the steps such as recently arresting a bartender for over serving a patron who was obviously intoxicated. This attempt to make bartenders more aware of how much they are serving individual customers is very unique and probably extremely effective.
It seems that while we have some of the tougher DWI laws in the nation, the problem persists and penalties after the fact are not getting the job done. Texas desperately needs a multi-pronged attack on preventing DWI accidents which includes a heavy emphasis on education.
While Texas has faced pretty substantial budget cuts, the protection of citizens of the state of Texas should be upon the forefront of our concerns. With families losing family members each and every day and Houston with the dubious distinction of leading the nation in fatal deed the DUI accidents it is time that we address the problem head on.
Call your Texas state representative and tell them you want a DWI education program fully funded for the state of Texas. Our families and children deserve it.