AUSTIN, Texas — Austin is set to become the latest Texas city with a constant “no refusal” initiative.
Data from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) shows Austin had nearly 1,000 alcohol-related crashes in 2023.
Texas saw a 4.1% decrease in deadly crashes between 2022 and 2023, however, TxDOT says there were “no deathless days” on Texas roads in 2023.
This summer, police enforced the initiative throughout the summer to create safer highways and roadways. It’s the first time police tried doing the initiative for seven days a week instead of just on select holidays and special events.
Police are expected to share more details on the change in an announcement Thursday morning.
Other Texas counties with 24/7 no-refusal initiatives
Mission, Texas became the most recent city with a year-round initiative after announcing it in November 2023.
The Fort Worth area switched to a year-round no-refusal initiative in October 2020, with Dallas also abiding by the year-round no-refusal policy.
San Antonio implemented a no-refusal program in 2008, which became permanent in 2011.
According to a report from Forbes, Texas ranked third-worst for drunk driving in 2023, as more than 42% of traffic deaths in the state were caused by drunk drivers. Texas also had the third-highest rate of drunk drivers under 21 involved in deadly crashes.
Texas passed Bentley’s Law in 2023, which requires a person who kills a parent or guardian while driving under the influence to pay child support. It was named after a similar law passed in other states stemming from a case in Missouri.