Big Country law enforcement increases patrols to target DWI during New Year’s Eve

BIG COUNTRY, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – Big Country law enforcement is ramping up traffic patrols this holiday season, aiming to prevent DWIs and keep roads safe.

On New Year’s Eve, Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Sergeant Marc Couch reminded drivers that there will be increased enforcement to crack down on Driving While Intoxicated (DWI), urging everyone to stay safe and plan for a responsible celebration.

“I want to remind everyone that we are going to have peaked up patrols, not only the Texas Highway Patrol but also the Abilene Police Department, sheriff’s office, and all local jurisdictions. This is a big, big night of celebration time that you’re going to have extra patrols out and people that are going to be looking specifically for DWI drivers,” Couch explained.

Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) also plans to focus on holiday drivers in its ‘Drive Sober. No Regrets’ campaign.

“If you think you might drink at all, arrange a sober ride ahead of time. You always have options for a sober ride, like taxis, rideshares, or public transportation.” TxDOT shared online. “If you see that someone at a holiday gathering has been drinking, encourage them to find a sober ride or to stay put until they are sober. Helping to prevent a potential crash is worth any temporary awkwardness.”

In 2023, TxDOT reported the number of DUI accidents across the Big Country, broken down by city:

• Abilene: 96
• Albany: 27
• Baird: 2
• Breckenridge: 3
• Brownwood: 18
• Coleman: 7
• Colorado City: 2
• Early: 2
• Eastland: 3
• Hawley: 1
• Loraine: 1
• Merkel: 1
• Santa Anna: 1
• Snyder: 9
• Sweetwater: 3
• Tye: 5

If anyone needs a free drive back home in Abilene, B & S Wrecker Services will provide free tows for anyone who drank tonight while celebrating New Year’s Eve. You can call them at (325) – 721-8162.