EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office (EPCSO) is reminding residents on Super Bowl Sunday to celebrate responsibly and avoid drinking and driving.
EPCSO’s Patrol Division will be out in full force, actively looking for impaired drivers, according to the department in a news release.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, the El Paso District Attorney’s Office is offering $20 Uber vouchers to encourage residents to use a safe and sober ride home instead of risking a DWI arrest.
“Super Bowl weekend is a time for friends and family to come together, but it’s also one of the most dangerous weekends for drunk driving,” El Paso County Sheriff Oscar Ugarte said. “If you plan on drinking, plan on a safe way home. Don’t put your life or the lives of others at risk.”
According to the Sheriff’s Office, driving while intoxicated (DWI) carries the following severe consequences in Texas:
- First offense: A fine of up to $2,000, up to 180 days in jail, and a loss of driver’s license for up to a year.
- Second offense: A fine of up to $4,000, up to one year in jail, and a driver’s license suspension for up to two years.
- Third offense: A fine of up to $10,000, between two and 10 years in prison, and a driver’s license suspension for up to two years.
- Intoxicated Manslaughter: A second-degree felony carrying a prison sentence of two to 20 years and a fine up to $10,000.
“There’s no excuse for driving drunk when there are safe options available,” Ugarte said. “Use a designated driver, rideshare, or public transportation, just don’t get behind the wheel if you’ve been drinking.”
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