DWI arrests rise amid stricter enforcement

SMITH COUNTY — Smith County has seen a 25% increase in DWI charges from 2023 to 2024, largely due to enhanced enforcement efforts, according to a detective with the sheriff’s office. Ryan Edmonds, a DWI expert currently assigned to the Crimes Against Children Unit at the Smith County Sheriff’s Office, explained to our news partner KETK that the rise in DWI arrests is attributed to increased training and the deployment of task forces during peak times for intoxicated driving.

“The biggest factor behind that increase is probably the enhanced enforcement that we’ve put into place,” Edmonds said.

2023 total charges: 929

Arp Police Department: 3
Bullard Police Department: 23
Constable’s Office Precinct 4 Winona: 1
Lindale Police Department: 27
Smith County Sheriff’s Office: 390
Smith County Fire Marshal: 1
Troup Police Department: 6
Tyler Police Department: 304
UT Tyler Police Department: 7
Whitehouse Police Department: 16
Smith County DPS: 151

2024 total charges: 1,161

Arp Police Department: 8
Bullard Police Department: 21
District Attorney’s Office: 1
Lindale Police Department: 20
Smith County Sheriff’s Office: 324
Troup Police Department: 9
Tyler Police Department: 506
UT Tyler Police Department: 32
Whitehouse Police Department: 18
Smith County DPS: 222

This shows a 24.97% increase from 2023 to 2024. These statistics were provided by the Texas Department of Public Safety.

In Texas, DWI stands for driving while intoxicated, and it is defined as operating a motor vehicle in a public place while intoxicated. Edmonds clarified that DWI is the official charge in Texas, as opposed to DUI, which is more of a colloquial term used in other jurisdictions.

DWI charges can vary in severity based on several factors, including blood alcohol concentration (BAC), involvement in accidents, injuries, prior convictions or if children were present in the vehicle. The most serious charge related to intoxication is intoxication manslaughter.

Penalties for DWI include fines, license suspension, potential job loss and jail time. Edmonds noted that even a misdemeanor DWI can result in several thousand dollars in fines and additional consequences like license suspension.

These arrests tend to increase during holidays such as Thanksgiving, New Year, Christmas, Fourth of July, Memorial Day, Labor Day and even Super Bowl Sunday. To counteract this, law enforcement enhances enforcement during these times.

“We have people that come in on their off days to get overtime and are specifically assigned to a task force that all they’re doing all night is looking for drivers who are intoxicated,” Edmonds said.

Edmonds also highlighted the growing issue of drug impairment, noting that blood tests often reveal substances like THC, fentanyl, methamphetamine and heroin in addition to alcohol.

With increased enforcement and training, Smith County aims to reduce the prevalence of DWIs and their associated dangers. East Texans are encouraged to use rideshare services or designated drivers to avoid becoming part of these rising statistics.