(David Pitman, KUHF Public Radio)
It’s been about three years since a grant from TxDOT enabled Harris County to start treating every weekend as a “No Refusal” weekend.
The grant also means that enforcement periods can be extended during certain holidays, like the Fourth of July.
“We have the highest fatality rate in the nation. And that is such a stat that we should be ashamed about.”
Todd Keagle leads the Vehicular Crimes Section of the Harris County District Attorney’s office. He says on an average weekend, about 35 people refuse an officer’s request to take a breathalyzer exam. Police take them into custody and begin the process of securing a search warrant. Keagle says all the legal requirements to draw blood are usually met within an hour or two.
This year’s Fourth of July “No Refusal” period covers every night from Wednesday through Sunday. (Hear the full story at KUHF Public Radio)
RELATED STORIES:
• Free Tows Available for 4th Holiday (KUHF Public Radio)
• Harris & Montgomery Co. Prepare for Deluge of Drunk Drivers (KRIV 26 News)
• Fourth is Deadliest Holiday on Highway (Houston Chronicle)
OTHER HEADLINES:
- Former Chief Financial Officer Accused of Stealing from HIV/AIDS Charity (KRIV 26 News)
- HUD Threatens Galveston with Loss of Funds (Houston Chronicle)
- Resident Helps Rescue 2 in Southeast Houston Fire (Houston Chronicle)
- Former Veterans Advocate Turns Himself in on Charges of Falsifying Military Records (Houston Chronicle)
- 3-Year-Old in Life-Threatening Condition Helps Dad Become Ironman (KRIV 26 News)
- The Right Way to Deal with Wrong-Way Drivers (KRIV 26 News)
STATE, NATION & BEYOND: - Texas Health Human Services Targets Premature Births in Quest to Cut Costs (Texas Tribune)
- For Texas Bays and Beaches, Pick Your Poison: Rainfall or Drought (State Impact Texas)
- Rapid H.I.V. Home Test Wins Federal Approval (New York Times)
- This Summer is ‘What Global Warming Looks Like’ (AP/FOX News)