HPD Begins DWI Enforcement Ahead Of July 4th Weekend

HOUSTON — Independence Day is Thursday, and the Houston Police Department is getting a head start with increased patrols to curtail drinking and driving. Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo said additional patrols will be on the streets starting Wednesday, and reminded anyone who decides to drink while celebrating July 4th to have a designated driver.

"We've been doing a lot of work trying to reduce the number of people that are getting injured or killed by the most preventable crime that we deal with as law enforcement," Acevedo said. "There's really no excuse for drinking and driving..."

Since June 30, the Houston Police Department has made 3,862 DWI arrests, which is up from the first six months of 2019 when 2,218 arrests were made, he added.

"We are not proud that we are making these arrests, but we are proud that for every arrest we make, we know it's one person who has not killed somebody," he said.

Acevedo said Houston and Harris County is ground zero when it comes to DWI arrests, adding that Texas as a whole leads the nation for those convicted of driving while intoxicated, and there's no excuse.

If you plan to celebrate with alcohol, there are a few deals that may save you some money and keep you and those around you safe.

Here are a few options:

• Lyft: Lyft in Houston is offering credits and coupons this month.Click here for the Lyft promo.
• No DWI Free Sober Rides: Book a cab or ride share and pay for it up front for this free No DWI Holiday Ride. You can get reimbursed via PayPal by Sutcliff and Stout Injury and Law Accident Firm. The offer is valid from 5pm on Independence Day, Thursday, July 4, through 10am on Friday, July 5.

"We urge people to make good choices," Acevedo said. "It's a lot cheaper to get a ride from a taxi cab...a friend, or METRO, than it is spend $17,000 [on a DWI charge]."

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