City of Lakeway, TX

12/12/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 12/12/2024 08:22

Holiday Travel Safety Advice

The Lakeway Police Department will be stepping up enforcement on our area roadways from Friday, Dec. 13, 2024 through Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025 to ensure everyone travels safely this holiday season. The goal is to reduce crashes and deter impaired driving during the holidays. If you get pulled over, you could face a hefty fine or even possibly arrested depending on the level of offense. While avoiding drinking and driving is key, there are also other distractions to avoid:

PREVENTING DISTRACTED DRIVING TIPS (Source: TXDOT):

  • Always give driving your full attention.
  • Pull off the road entirely and come to a complete stop before you talk or text on the phone.
  • Put your phone away, turn it off or use an app to block texts and calls while driving.
  • Tell friends, family and co-workers you won't respond to texts or calls while driving.
  • Remember that all distractions are dangerous, so pay full attention when behind the wheel.

The holidays can also mean parties and events at locations outside your home. So, if you do plan to drink, be sure to plan ahead and either take a ridesharing service or have a designated driver who will not be drinking with you. In Texas, a person is legally intoxicated and may be arrested and charged with a DWI with a .08 BAC (blood or breath alcohol concentration). However, a person is also intoxicated if impaired due to alcohol or other drugs regardless of BAC. Drivers and passengers can be fined up to $500 for having an open container in a vehicle.

HOW TO AVOID A DWI (Source: TXDOT):

  • Designate a sober driver before you start drinking.
  • Use a rideshare service or call a sober friend or family member for a safe ride home.
  • Spend the night where you are.

PENALTIES FOR FIRST DWI OFFENSE (SOURCE: TXDOT)*

  • Up to a $2,000 fine.
  • 72 hours to 6 months in jail.
  • Loss of a driver's license for up to a year.

*Penalties increase with each DWI conviction.

DWI WITH A CHILD PASSENGER (SOURCE: TXDOT)

  • You will be charged with child endangerment if you're driving drunk with a child under the age of 15.
  • You will be fined an additional fee up to $10,000.
  • You could be put in jail for up to 2 years.
  • You will lose your driver's license for another 180 days.

#DriveSoberNoRegrets #EndTheStreakTX

Please use this advice wisely this season. We want everyone in our community to have a happy and SAFE holiday!