Timothy Chapman
In an effort to curb the growing number of drunk drivers, Hidalgo County law enforcement departments will enforce a no-refusal policy for the remainder of the year.
The law states that individuals who are pulled over and suspected of driving while under the influence of alcohol have the right to refuse a breathalyzer or field sobriety test.
However, with the 60-day-no-refusal policy, drivers who refuse the test could result in officers going to extensive lengths to prove intoxication. With methods such as getting blood warrants, these can be taken from a suspect under force if need be.
Edinburg Assistant Chief of Police Michael Cerda said Edinburg is a no-refusal city all year round and explained what steps officers follow when dealing with someone suspected of being intoxicated.
Patrol Lieutenant Primitivo Rodriguez Jr said last year, Edinburg had 342 DWI arrests with three fatalities. This year, as of Nov. 8, the total number of DWIs is 339, with 12 deaths.
Lieutenant Gabriel Vela-Reyna said the most frustrating part of this particular crime is that it is simply a wrong choice.
Cerda said the 60-day-no-refusal initiative is not to arrest more people but simply to deter those who think about drinking and driving.
This is Timothy Chapman for Vaquero Radio.