Edinburg police would like to remind the public of the dangers of driving while intoxicated after a police unit was almost hit by an alleged drunk driver.
According to police, the incident occurred Friday around 4 a.m. when a patrol officer was sideswiped by a suspected drunk driver in a Ford Escape who veered into the officer’s lane.
Though the police unit was struck, the patrolling officer wasn’t hurt during the incident which was caught on the dash cam video.
The 51-year-old female driver provided a breath sample twice the legal limit of intoxication and was arrested on charges of driving while intoxicated, according to the release.
“This is a vivid reminder to make a plan and designate a sober driver or use a ride-sharing service,” Edinburg Police Chief Jaime Ayala said in a press release. “We sign up for a dangerous job and we know the risks associated with that, but drinking and driving has serious consequences and lives cannot be replaced.”
In Texas, a person dies every seven hours and 43 minutes in a DUI-alcohol related traffic incident.
The Texas Department of Transportation’s Drive Sober, No Regrets campaign is working with students around Texas to highlight the dangers of impaired driving by sharing real stories from people who have experienced the consequences of drunk driving firsthand.
In 2021, 2,565 people were seriously injured in drunk driving incidents and another 1,134 were killed in Texas.
During Spring Break 2021, Texas recorded 874 DUI-alcohol related vehicle crashes that resulted in 31 deaths and 107 serious injuries.
“Every drunk-driving accident is 100% preventable,” the release said.
Designating a sober driver, calling a taxi, using a rideshare service or calling a friend or family member are ways one could avoid driving while impaired.
