Arlington Police, Taxi Companies Urge Drivers to Be Responsible

As North Texas gets set to celebrate the new year, don’t be surprised to see more police officers patrolling the roads.

Arlington police say time and time again, they have to respond to horrific, tragic crashes on the city’s roads, simply because a driver made a very poor decision.

“We have too many people that die on Arlington roadways because of intoxication,” said Arlington Police Chief Will Johnson. “And that’s just unacceptable.”

In 2013, 14 people died in 11 alcohol-related crashes within Arlington city limits. That made up nearly one-third of all fatal drunk driving crashes in Tarrant County that year.

Police said they don’t want that trend to continue as New Year's celebrations get underway.

“This part of the year is a dangerous time on the roads,” said Sgt. Jeff Houston, a spokesperson for the Arlington Police Department. “So we encourage people to be safe and responsible.”

Drivers who choose not to be safe and responsible can expect an encounter with officers, they said.

“With the increase in people that are out celebrating, we will have officers out on the streets in full force,” said Houston.

“A DWI is very expensive,” said Godfred Barfi, owner of Arlington Taxi Cabs & Limo. “It costs a lot.”

He added that a taxi ride costs much less and recommended people plan ahead or reserve a cab for New Year’s Eve, so they’re not tempted to drive drunk in case they have to wait for a ride.

“We’ll advise anybody calling for a taxi to call at least 30 minutes ahead of time,” said Barfi.

AAA is doing its part to keep drunk drivers off the road by bringing back its “Tipsy Tow” program for New Year’s Eve. Drivers can get a free ride and tow within 10 miles of where they’re picked up. AAA plans to release more information about the program on Monday.

Police also want to remind drivers that a no-refusal policy is in effect through Jan. 2. That means if you get pulled over for suspected drunk driving and refuse to take a breathalyzer test, officers will use a search warrant to take a sample of your blood.