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Harris County law enforcement on high alert for DWI crashes during holiday season

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Published  December 20, 2024 7:44pm CST
Harris County
FOX 26 Houston

Law enforcement on high alert for drunk drivers

A series of DWI crashes have law enforcement on high alert ahead of the holidays, with two incidents in just the span of a few days. FOX 26's Jade Flury spoke to officials about these DWI incidents.

The Brief

    • Increased DWI arrests: Law enforcement agencies have seen a significant increase in DWI arrests in recent months.
    • Holiday dangers: The holiday season typically sees a rise in DWI incidents as people attend social gatherings and holiday parties.
    • Public safety message: Law enforcement officials are urging drivers to make responsible choices and avoid driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas - A series of DWI crashes has law enforcement on high alert ahead of the holidays. Two of those dangerous accidents happened in just the span of a few days. 

For the last few years, Harris County has led the nation in DWI fatalities. It's a trend the Harris County Precinct 4 Constables Office is hoping to put an end to. The agency says it sees more DWI crashes as people gather together for the holidays. 

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"We want everyone to have a good time, but we want everyone to also arrive alive," said Daniel Garza, Captain with the Harris County Precinct 4 Constable's Office. 

On Friday, a suspected drunk driver drove her vehicle into a retention pond in Spring. She claimed her boyfriend was also in the vehicle, but he was not found inside. 

"She entered that neighborhood, went through a stop sign, a three-way intersection at a high rate of speed, and ended up emerging her vehicle in a lake," said Captain Garza. 

Since the beginning of the year, the Precinct 4 Constables have arrested 894 suspected drunk drivers. It's a number they said has been the average for the department each year.

"If you’re arrested for driving while intoxicated, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re a bad person. It just means you made a bad decision," said Garza. 

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On Thursday, two men were killed after a Lexus SUV lost control on Kirby Drive. Houston police said three men in their 20s were in the car. Investigators believe alcohol may have also been a factor in the crash. 

"Before you leave home, if you know you’re going to be out drinking, don’t assume you can just drive home intoxicated. Think about using our rideshares," said Senior Police Officer Josephine Jones of the Houston Police Department. 

And it’s not only alcohol. 

"Now, we’re finding a lot of times that drivers, it’s a mixture. It’s also they're not only impaired by alcohol, but they're impaired by other substances," said Garza. 

Law enforcement is sending drivers a stern warning to think before they drink. 

"We want everyone to have a great time, enjoy the holiday, spend time with their loved ones, and just make responsible decisions," said Garza. 

Police say hundreds of deputies will be on the streets looking for impaired drivers ahead and during the holidays. 

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