State, local authorities plan on DWI crackdown over holiday weekend

(8/30/07 - KTRK/PEARLAND, TX) (KTRK) -- Local and state authorities are taking part in a nationwide crackdown on drunk driving this Labor Day weekend.

Many cities are taking part in a DWI crackdown over the weekend. The DWI crackdown is called, 'Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest'.

For Pearland resident Amy Sidlo the reason to stop drunk driving was clear.

"There was a family of five and three of the five were killed. All that was left was two siblings. And they wound up being split and raised in two separate homes. It was really sad," said Sidlo.

The statistics were frightening just last year over 1,300 people in Texas died in drunken driving accidents. Nationwide in 2005, people age 21 to 34 years old were responsible for 37 percent for drunken driving fatalities.

The City of Pearland is joining other cities nationwide to increase police presence during the Labor Day weekend. The strategy is simple, people drive safer when they see police.

"We want to get the word out, to educate the public that look -- this is not going to be tolerated," said Sgt. Roy Castillo with the Pearland Police Department. "Save you some time, some money, some embarrassment and don't drink and drive."

The U.S. Department of Transportation reports it is the Labor Day weekend which usually has the highest number of alcohol related crashes and fatalities. Locally, stronger enforcement is supported by most residents in Pearland.

"I know people who have lost family members to drunk drivers," said resident Brian Beaupe.

"I do think that police should keep a better eye on drunk drivers, for the safety of everyone," said resident Jimmy Dillard

Last year, during the Labor Day weekend the Texas DPS arrested over 887 people who were driving drunk.
(Copyright © 2007, KTRK-TV)

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