Austin PD To Kickoff Yearlong No Refusal DWI Initiative

Austin TX

16 September, 2021

3:15 PM

Description

AUSTIN, TX — Austin police will enforce its No Refusal initiative four days each week for a year in an effort to reduce the number of crashes caused by impaired drivers. Authorities announced Thursday the program will start Oct. 1 and run through September 2022. The initiative will have more than 200 "No Refusal" days and will include added enforcement for holidays and special events. No Refusal is an enforcement strategy that allows jurisdictions to obtain search warrants for blood samples from suspected impaired drivers who refuse breath or blood tests, officials said. Live in Austin? Click here to subscribe to our free breaking news alerts delivered to your inbox and mobile devices. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter, and download our free mobile app on Android or iPhone. Police said the program will go into effect for the Austin City Limits music festival in October and for the SXSW Conference and Festivals between March 10-20, 2022. "No Refusal is not about making as many arrests as we can," APD Assistant Chief Robin Henderson said. "It's a deterrent to keep impaired drivers off of Austin's roadways and keep the public safe. No Refusal ensures that we have solid blood alcohol content evidence in every DWI arrest and, as such, enhances the ability to prosecute drunk drivers." City officials said DWIs are a major contributor to crashes in Austin, with impaired drivers typically being involved in more than one-third of the city's fatal crashes. RELATED COVERAGE: 35 DWI Arrests Made During Labor Day Weekend: Austin PD In 2020, there were more than 1,250 DWI related arrests during No Refusal Program initiatives. "Vision Zero's goal is to eliminate traffic deaths and serious injuries on Austin's streets," said Gina Fiandaca, Assistant City Manager for Mobility. "While we are focused on making our streets safer through better design and operational decisions, we need the community to make the decision to drive safely as well. This includes planning ahead for a fun night out and ensuring everyone is able to get home safely every time." Authorities said the Austin Transportation Department will be providing funding and strategic crash analysis to inform priority dates and locations and APD will be providing the staff resources needed to secure the search warrants. For more information on the initiative, visit the city's website.