Local officer talks about a new DWI enforcement program

ABILENE, Texas — In 2022, Abilene saw a gross number of fatal accidents due to drunk driving. So, local and state authorities are now enforcing a new DWI program in hopes of curving fatalities.

“There haven’t been a whole lot of DWI arrests made so far, but they are out there looking. They’re having a few,” said Scott Rowley, an Officer from the Abilene Police Department.

The latest DWI enforcement program will prey on those who drink and drive and assist in APD’s traffic enforcement. Due to the partnership with TxDOT, the federal government will be funding 80% of the costs. Officer Rowley says this program is essential to have, especially during Spring Break.

“Well, historically, we always see peeks in alcohol-related traffic incidents around the major holidays, which is why TxDOT set up this program the way it is, and we’re out there looking,” said the local officer.

This program is divided up into four periods. Each period is scheduled around a major holiday to assist in reducing fatalities.

“It's a year-long campaign targeting four two weeks blocks of time. The first one was the Christmas-New year time period,” said Rowley. “The next one is Spring Break, roughly March 4th through the 19th. Then we’ll have a two-week block around the fourth of July and another one around Labor day,” said the Police Sgt.

Abilene police want to warn everyone about the dangers of drinking and driving. If you will be consuming alcohol, get a designated driver and be careful.

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