September 9, 2009

SAN ANTONIO — Keeping drunk drivers off the streets of San Antonio was a big priority for law enforcement this past Labor Day weekend.

Drivers who were pulled over by police and were suspected of drinking and driving had a choice: They could take a breath test or a judge could order that their blood be drawn and tested.

It’s part of a new program meant to keep drunk drivers off the road.

The District Attorney’s office arrested 82 people during the Labor Day weekend. About 39 people were ordered to submit to a blood test. More than 40 voluntarily took the breath test. Cliff Herberg with the district attorney’s office said those drivers blew an average of .15, which is almost twice the legal limit of .08.

Officials with the District Attorney’s office said they hoping to make this blood-draw program permanent.

However, because of budget constraints they are only conducting it randomly.

Source:

WOAI.com
Reported by: Mireya Villarreal

http://www.woai.com/news/local/story/39-suspected-drunk-drivers-ordered-to-submit-to/xLra4AhhbEGyhpnT0QigNQ.cspx