Austin Police Made 3 DWI Arrests During July 4th Holiday Crackdown

The Austin Police Department issued dozens of traffic citations and made three driving while intoxicated arrests during its annual Fourth of July DWI Enforcement and No Refusal Initiative.

The enforcement campaign ran from June 19 through July 6 and focused on reducing impaired driving and promoting safer roadways during one of the busiest travel periods of the summer.

According to the department, officers issued 38 traffic citations and 59 warnings while conducting traffic enforcement operations across the city.

APD said officers dedicated 40 hours exclusively to traffic enforcement efforts during the initiative, conducting traffic stops and encouraging motorists to practice safe driving habits.

The department reported that three people were arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated during the campaign.

"This initiative is an effort to enforce DWI laws" and encourage drivers to make responsible decisions behind the wheel, APD said in a statement.

The department said the No Refusal component of the operation allows officers to seek blood search warrants for individuals arrested on suspicion of DWI who refuse to provide breath or blood samples requested under Texas law.

Officials said the initiative is designed to improve public safety and reduce crashes involving impaired drivers during holidays and major events, periods that historically see increased traffic volumes and alcohol-related incidents on Texas roadways.

The Austin Police Department routinely conducts additional DWI enforcement operations during major holidays, including Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day and the winter holiday season, when impaired driving rates often increase.

Police continue to encourage drivers planning to consume alcohol to arrange for a designated driver, use rideshare services or seek other transportation options rather than getting behind the wheel impaired.