Austin news: ‘No Refusal’ initiative continues through Fat Tuesday

Austin police held a ‘No Refusal’ initiative this weekend in order to prevent impaired drivers from getting behind the wheel after Mardi Gras celebrations.

According to the Austin-American Statesman, the initiative began on Feb. 17 and will continue through Fat Tuesday on Feb. 21. Additional patrol will run from 9 p.m .to 5 a.m. During a ‘No Refusal’ initiative, a person’s blood can be drawn if they are pulled over and suspected of drunk driving, but they refuse a breathalyzer.

These initiativse are put into place during times of heavy drinking such as holidays and the Super Bowl.  Austin has a very high rate of DWI arrests and last year alone nearly 24 percent of their traffic fatalities involved alcohol.

The Austin employment lawyers of The Melton Law Firm are wishing you and your family and fun and safe Mardi Gras.