Whether you’re tubing the Guadalupe or making your way to the coast for a weekend escape, it's important to realize that summer brings increased law enforcement presence and a sharp rise in DWI arrests.
Why Do DWIs Increase During the Summer?
Several factors contribute to the seasonal spike in DWI accidents and arrests across Texas during the summer months: According to the National Crime Victimization Survey, criminal offenses increase by as much as 12% during the summer month. And in Texas, that spike often includes a noticeable rise in drunk driving arrests.
From small-town celebrations to major city events, Texas summers are packed with festivals, concerts, and outdoor gatherings. These activities often involve alcohol making the risk of DWI arrests for attendees rise significantly.
The increased volume of vehicles raises the likelihood of accidents, and if you've had anything to drink, even a minor collision could lead to a DWI charge, whether you caused the crash. “A driver’s judgment and ability to react are both impaired when driving high, but many drivers don’t realize that it’s dangerous and illegal,” said Heidi King, NHTSA Deputy Administrator. “Driving either drunk or high is a DUI; impairment is impairment.”
Police departments across Texas know summer is peak DWI season. While Texas law prohibits sobriety checkpoints, that doesn’t mean law enforcement isn’t watching. Officers take full advantage of state and federal grant programs to fund additional patrols focused on impaired driving. You can expect to see more law enforcement on the road, especially during holiday weekends and major events.
With increased traffic, heightened police presence, and a greater chance of being pulled over, summer in Texas is no time to take risks on the road. The best way to avoid a summer DWI is to have a plan in place. While you should always make other transportation arrangements if you are planning on drinking, if you are pulled over for a DWI, you should immediately call a DWI attorney. Driving while intoxicated is a criminal offense and without a DWI attorney to support you in your case, you can face serious consequences.
Need help after a DWI arrest in Texas? Contact our office for a case review.
