Edinburg PD Unit Almost Hit Head On By Drunk Driver
Department highlights the dangers of drinking and driving
Edinburg, TX, March 14, 2023
An Edinburg Police Department officer narrowly escaped injury after he was almost hit head-on by an alleged drunk driver. The suspect did sideswipe the back of the unit, causing only minor damage. Thankfully, the officer was not hurt. The incident on March 10 at about 4 a.m. has prompted the Edinburg Police Department to reinforce the message about the dangers of drinking and driving.
The officer was patrolling when the suspected drunk driver in a Ford Escape veered into his lane. The 51-year-old female driver was arrested on charges of Driving While Intoxicated. (Class A Misdemeanor) The suspect provided a breath sample twice the legal limit of intoxication. The incident was captured on the officer’s dash cam video.
“This is a vivid reminder to make a plan and designate a sober driver or use a ride-sharing service,” Police Chief Jaime Ayala said. “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.”
Drunk drivers claim the lives of hundreds of Texans every year, and Spring Break can be a particularly deadly time. TxDOT’s Drive Sober, No Regrets. Campaign is working with students around the state to highlight the dangers of impaired driving by sharing stories from people who have experienced the consequences firsthand. One person in Texas dies every 7 hours and 43 minutes in a DUI-alcohol (driving under the influence) related traffic crash. In 2021, 1,134 people in Texas were killed and 2,565 were seriously injured because someone chose to get behind the wheel while impaired.
During Spring Break of 2021, Texas recorded 874 DUI-alcohol related traffic crashes, resulting in 31 deaths and 107 serious injuries. Every drunk-driving accident is 100% preventable. Designate a sober driver, call a taxi, use a rideshare service, stay put, call a friend or family member, or use mass transit to ensure you don’t drive impaired. The campaign’s call to action is direct and clear: Drive Sober. No Regrets.