Expect additional law enforcement and zero tolerance for drunk driving or boating as Harris County cracks down on DWI offenders over the July 4 weekend.
HARRIS COUNTY, Texas — With July 4 celebrations approaching, Harris County officials have announced a no-refusal weekend to deter drunk driving on both the roads and the water.
The operation includes increased patrols from local police departments, sheriff’s deputies, Texas DPS and the U.S. Coast Guard. Law enforcement will be stationed on roadways, near lakes and at popular boating areas throughout the weekend.
“If you’re going to consume alcoholic beverages, just know that we’re going to have extra enforcement out on the roadways and the waterways this weekend,” La Porte Police Chief Scott Pullig said.
According to the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, nearly 200 DWI cases were filed in Harris County over the holiday weekend in 2024, including 17 felony charges and one boating while intoxicated case.
In a news conference Wednesday, officials added that previous DWI crackdowns had proven effective in reducing the most severe outcomes.
“For the past four years, from July 4 to July 6, we’ve not had any kind of intoxication manslaughters happen; we want to continue that,” said Whitney Rasberry with the Harris County District Attorney’s Office.
In addition to increased law enforcement presence, the Harris County District Attorney’s Office says prosecutors will be on standby to process DWI cases in real time.
“If you’re behind the wheel at a .08 blood alcohol content, you’re considered intoxicated in the state of Texas, and we will prosecute you,” Rasberry said.
For families like Krystalle Wright’s, the county’s message is personal.
Wright lost her 21-year-old daughter, Mya, in a suspected drunk driving crash last September. Since then, she’s been working with Mothers Against Drunk Driving to raise awareness about the real consequences of impaired driving.
“Please be responsible,” Wright said. “Think of the family’s life you may shatter, like ours was shattered that night. That’s not something you can come back from.”
Authorities are urging residents to celebrate responsibly and to plan ahead if alcohol is involved. That includes using designated drivers, rideshare services, or public transportation.