The Austin County Sheriff’s Office has been awarded grant funds through the Texas Department of Transportation’s Impaired Driving Mobilization Program, a significant move in the ongoing battle against impaired driving. This grant will enable the Sheriff’s Office to intensify patrol efforts in certain areas of unincorporated Austin County, particularly during the Christmas and New Year holidays.
This initiative is a part of Texas’s broader efforts to combat impaired driving, as reflected in the state’s Impaired Driving Program Assessment. The report, facilitated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, evaluates Texas’s strategies against alcohol and drug-impaired driving, emphasizing enhanced law enforcement, prevention, and community education.
The grant awarded to the Austin County Sheriff’s Office mirrors the strategies highlighted in the assessment, emphasizing the importance of targeted patrols and enforcement during high-risk periods. Holiday seasons are often identified as critical times for such initiatives due to increased celebrations and the associated rise in impaired driving incidents.
Austin County Sheriff, Jack Brandes, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “The safety of our county residents is my main job and I take that job very seriously. Please, if you have to ask yourself if you’re ok to drive, you’re not. Call a friend, call a cab, use an online transportation company, do anything but get behind the wheel. If my deputies catch you driving legally impaired, you will be arrested. I know that sounds harsh but it’s the job of the Sheriff’s Office to keep our streets safe.”
This statement underlines the strict approach the Sheriff’s Office intends to take against impaired driving. The grant, by facilitating increased patrols, aligns with the broader state strategy to reduce road accidents and enhance public safety.
The initiative is a clear indication of Texas’s commitment to implementing effective strategies to curb the menace of impaired driving. By focusing on enforcement and public awareness, especially during high-risk periods, the efforts of the Austin County Sheriff’s Office, supported by the state and federal resources, represent a significant step in ensuring safer roads and communities.
