Permian Basin DWI Numbers On an Upward Trend

Since things are opening back up, the numbers of DWI stops in the Permian Basin are now trending up.

According to NewsWest 9, after the significant drop off last year in DWI's because of COVID-19, now Midland Police say the numbers are going up.

"People just weren’t traveling around. Obviously driving while intoxicated offenses have to have a driving component to it so when you’re not driving as much, those offenses don’t happen as much either," said MPD Deputy Chief Greg McCright.

This year as bars are opening back up and capacity is back to 100% in most places that serve alcohol, the number of DWIs are up.

"So 2019, we were around 500 or so DWIs. Last year was less than that. It was in the 400s, and then this year through the first five months, we were at 272. So you know last year was obviously an odd year with COVID," said McCright.

Police say there are two different ways to open a DWI case.

"There’s two different ways we get to a DWI investigation. Either through a traffic enforcement issue or a crash investigation that leads to a DWI, but most of the investigations take place because of the traffic offense that is taking place," said McCright.

If you are pulled over for a DWI, expect some jail time at least.

"You’re looking at a minimum of six months in jail is what the class B misdemeanors that we’re looking at. On top of that you also have your drivers license suspended, and there’s a whole process to get that back from the state. You know you’re gonna have legal issues to deal with not just going to jail but you know anything that comes as a result of that," said McCright.

You know the drill, have a designated driver, or plan ahead to get a taxi or Uber or Lyft ride before you go out for the night.