Law enforcement agencies nationwide are intensifying their efforts to promote safe driving practices, with a particular focus during the festive season. As we’ve just entered the new year, local authorities in Corpus Christi have been particularly vigilant in ensuring road safety.
Senior Officer Jennifer Collier from the Corpus Christi Police Department emphasizes the dangers of minimal alcohol consumption on driving abilities. Texas, according to statewide statistics, ranks third in the nation for incidents of drunk driving. Data from the Texas Department of Transportation reveals a concerning figure of over 9,000 alcohol-involved crashes in Texas for the year 2023 alone.
Officer Collier points out that drunk driving has long been a problem, but it becomes more pronounced during holiday periods. According to the Crash Report Information System data from TxDOT, the Coastal Bend area experienced 53 alcohol-related accidents from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day in 2023, with 30 of these occurring in Corpus Christi.
Collier strongly advocates for safer alternatives to drunk driving, such as using rideshare services or relying on a sober friend for transportation. Despite these options, daily arrests for driving while intoxicated (DWI) remain high. To illustrate, the Corpus Christi Police DWI task force arrested seven individuals for DWI just 12 hours from New Year’s Eve to New Year’s Day.
The consequences of a DWI arrest are significant and multifaceted. Collier warns of the various financial penalties, including impound fees for the vehicle, legal fees, and the cost of jail time. These expenses far outweigh the price of a taxi or rideshare service. To further reduce speeding incidents, DUIs, and other dangerous driving behaviors, the Corpus Christi Police Department (CCPD) plans to enhance its patrol by adding three new traffic officers. The CCPD continues to remind the public about the importance of wearing seat belts and refraining from driving under the influence of alcohol.
This proactive stance by law enforcement, particularly during the holiday season, reflects a commitment to safeguarding public safety on the roads. The alarming statistics and the efforts of the Corpus Christi Police Department highlight the ongoing challenge of drunk driving and the importance of responsible behavior behind the wheel.