Houston Police Department

May 26, 2006 -- The Houston Police Department DWI Task Force will be taking aim at those who drink and drive this Memorial Day weekend, which traditionally serves as the beginning of summer and a time when more people are out and driving on our
roadways. Officers will be keeping a watchful eye on all major streets and highways in order to reduce alcohol-related accidents that could lead to deaths.

The Houston Police Department will have additional officers today (Friday, May 26) through Tuesday, May 30, 2006, working DWI enforcement as a result of two Texas Department of Transportation grants. The officers will work with the HPD DWI Unit with the objective to remove intoxicated drivers from our streets and highways. For those who plan to celebrate the Memorial Day weekend and consume alcoholic beverages, HPD urges them to select a designated driver or take a taxicab. HPD's enforcement efforts are targeted at keeping our city streets safe, and those who put our citizens at risk by driving while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs can expect to spend the night in jail.

According to the latest statistics from Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), the Memorial Day weekend is one of the deadliest holidays on the roads. In 2004, 358 people died in traffic-related fatalities in the United States, 174 of those were related to alcohol. Last year, during the three day holiday weekend, Houston had one traffic fatality. This year, our goal is to decrease this number to zero.

HPD, along with every area law enforcement agency in the Houston Harris County area, will be actively looking for you if you drink and drive.

Anyone who observes someone driving while under the influence should immediately call 9-1-1.

For additional information, please contact the HPD Public Affairs Division at 713-308-3200.