No-refusal weekend starts Friday

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Hot weather on a holiday weekend can ensure a lot of traffic on lakes near Austin. The Austin Police Department announced that officers will kick off  the "No Refusal Initiative" on Friday. This time it not only applies to the roadways but to the waterways as well.

A no-refusal weekend means police can get a warrant allowing them to draw your blood if you refuse a breath test.

The "Driving While Intoxicated No Refusal Initiative" runs from 9 p.m. until 5 a.m. Friday through Monday. The Boating While Intoxicated No Refusal Initiative starts Sunday and Monday at noon and goes until 5 a.m.

"The one thing I want to ask for the citizens of Austin is to put us out of a job," said police Cmdr. Jason Dusterhoft "I’m fine with no fatalities, no serious collisions. I’m fine with no DWI’s and I’m fine with no boating DWI’s."

Police credits the "No Refusal Initiative" for lowering traffic fatalities by 26-percent in the last 10 years.

"It’s made an aggressive difference in looking for drunk drivers and making sure we get them off the street and prosecuted," said Dusterhoft.

On the lake, police say they'll be on the lookout for reckless boating or speeding. They'll also conduct safety checks on as many boats as possible. They’ll be looking for life jackets for every passenger, a fire extinguisher and a horn on board.

To reduce lake traffic, APD is also banning all personal watercraft starting Friday at sunset. That ban continues until sunrise next Tuesday morning.

If you have plans to hit one of the areas other lakes, like Lake LBJ, there's no such thing as No Refusal weekends. DPS troopers and game wardens can obtain warrants for forcing blood drawings any time day or night if you refuse a breath test.