City of New Braunfels reports increased number of drunk driving arrests

Nestled in the scenic Texas Hill Country, New Braunfels has long drawn visitors with its stunning landscapes and the Guadalupe River, turning it into a popular destination year-round. While tourism has fueled much of the city's positive growth, it has also brought challenges—particularly an uptick in drunk driving. To address this, the city launched a specialized police unit in 2023 focused on curbing DWI (driving while intoxicated) incidents. The results are now clear: this new DWI Unit has made a significant impact, removing nearly 25% more impaired drivers from the roads this year compared to the previous year.

New Braunfels is home to a variety of tourist destinations that showcase its natural beauty and rich heritage. One of its top attractions is the Guadalupe River, where visitors can enjoy tubing, kayaking, and swimming. Schlitterbahn Waterpark, renowned for its extensive water rides, draws families and thrill-seekers alike. For those interested in history and culture, the Gruene Historic District offers charming shops, restaurants, and the famous Gruene Hall, the oldest dance hall in Texas. Landa Park provides a tranquil setting for picnicking and outdoor activities, while the Animal World & Snake Farm Zoo caters to wildlife enthusiasts. New Braunfels' vibrant festivals, such as Wurstfest, also make it a year-round destination for visitors. But these attractions are also hot spots for drunk driving.

In 2024, 624 drivers were arrested on DWI charges in New Braunfels, marking a sharp rise from 506 in 2023 and 448 in 2022. Much of the spike in arrests occurred near the city’s tourist hotspots, with the highest concentration along the highway near the Guadalupe River. The DWI Unit, which operates as part of the city's general fund, consists of two dedicated officers specially trained in detecting and apprehending intoxicated drivers, using techniques like Standard Field Sobriety Tests and breathalyzer operations.

In just a short time, the unit has proven to be a key player in making New Braunfels' roads safer, a necessity for a city that continues to attract throngs of visitors throughout the year.

Drunk driving remains a serious issue in New Braunfels and across Texas, with recent data highlighting a rise in DWI arrests in certain areas. In 2024, New Braunfels saw 624 drivers arrested for DWI, a notable increase from 506 arrests in 2023 and 448 in 2022, driven largely by hotspots near tourist attractions like the Guadalupe River. Statewide, Texas consistently reports high rates of alcohol-related traffic incidents. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, over 23,000 alcohol-related crashes occurred in the state in 2023, leading to more than 1,000 fatalities, emphasizing the ongoing need for strong enforcement measures to reduce impaired driving.

If you've been injured in a collision involving a drunk driver, click the links below to get help from an attorney who specializes in your type of accident or injury:

• New Braunfels car accident attorney;
• New Braunfels pedestrian accident attorney;
• New Braunfels motorcycle accident lawyer;
• New Braunfels truck accident lawyer;
• New Braunfels bicycle accident attorney;
• New Braunfels distracted driving accident lawyer;
• New Braunfels rear-end accident law office;
• New Braunfels drunk truck driver accident lawyer;
• New Braunfels speeding driver accident law firm;
• New Braunfels hit-and-run accident lawyer;
• New Braunfels reckless driving accident lawyer;
• New Braunfels wrongful death claim lawyer;
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• New Braunfels whiplash injury law firm;
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Regardless of how severe an accident is, almost everyone involved has to deal with insurance companies and claims. For crashes involving more serious injuries, or when a fatal crash occurs, a Charlottesville personal injury attorney is needed to manage the insurance claim. Go here to learn more about how a New Braunfels drunk driving accident lawyer helps injured victims.

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