It’s great for all of us that July 4th is on Saturday this year, but not so good for the police. Most states have a No Refusal Weekend policy. This policy will be in effect through July 7th, where law allows police officers to take blood samples from suspected drunk drivers. Police will focus DWI patrols in high-risk locations (i.e. parks, lakes and my family reunion). Individuals arrested for DWI who refuse to take a breath or blood test face having their blood drawn once officers seek a search warrant from a judge.
I always go to my home town in Illinois for the 4th. Rumors are, small towns are said to be where you’ll find most of the meth labs. This is likely true in my home town. One year, the Mayor had given some guy money to drive to Indiana to buy fireworks for the city’s 4th of July celebration. He took the money and never returned. And, as far as drinking goes, if you’ve ever been to Illinois, it’s just nothing but cornfields and liquor stores (and liquor made out of corn).
In Texas alone, more than 1,000 people were killed by drunk drivers last year. Most of those crashes occurred during a holiday. But July 4th is said to be the worst holiday for drunk driving since people are likely to have been drinking all day or maybe even for several days, rather than say, New Years Eve where someone may just be drinking close to midnight. So, this 4th of July weekend, not only can the driver be arrested, but the passengers as well. And don’t forget about the open container fine which starts at a whopping $500 (that’d buy a lot of Jack Daniels). And having children in the car when you get a DWI is an automatic felony, which is jail time. The police will take you to the pokey and Child Protective Services will take your kids away as well. Yes, it’s true that CPS will babysit…for FREE…for YEARS!
So, for your sake and the sake of everyone else, don’t risk getting a DWI conviction! Play it safe by remembering a few simple tips.
Just Don’t drink and drive.
• Plan ahead and designate a driver.
• Contact SoberRides.org
• Call a cab or a sober friend.
• Spend the night where you are, if possible.
Police are urging everyone to be safe during the July 4th holiday. And, if you plan to drink, please plan ahead by arranging to have a designated driver bring you and your family home or arrange for a taxi to pick you up.
Until next week…Have a safe and fun holiday!
Daun Thompson
Writer / Comedienne / Artist
No Refusal Weekend – Comedy Defensive Driving School