The 4th of July celebration is upon us, and to help keep everyone safe over the holiday Texas is launching the nation’s very first statewide “no refusal” program.
This initiative was encouraged by a study released by the National Highway Safety Association (NHSA). In the study, 25 years of auto accident statistics were analyzed and an Independence Day trend emerged. Roughly half the accidents that occur over the holiday weekend involve alcohol.
Under the “no refusal” program, any person in Texas suspected of driving a land vehicle or operating a water craft while under the influence, and who refuse to take a breathalyzer test, will be served a warrant for a blood sample. Anyone with a blood-alcohol level at or above .08 is considered legally impaired and will be arrested. The program starts Friday at six pm and runs through Tuesday, July 5th.
DUI victim attorney Jeff Rasansky applauds this effort by state officials. He’s seen first hand the devastating effects of drinking and driving. A proud partner of MADD North Texas, Jeff has been advocating the rights of victims of drunk driving and working on prevention initiatives. This passion became more personal when his good friend, Jim Bar, was hit by an intoxicated driver while travelling home from the airport. Jim’s story is told in this video, filmed at the Walk Like MADD Dallas event this past April.
Drive safely, Dallas! Happy 4th of July!
