Texas law enforcement to crack down on drunken driving next week

Scroll through the above gallery to view the booking photos of 69 people arrested in Bexar County on felony drunken driving charges in July 2015. Scroll through the above gallery to view the booking photos of 69 people arrested in Bexar County on felony drunken driving charges in July 2015. Image 1 of / 207 Caption Close Texas law enforcement to crack down on drunken driving next week 1 / 207 Back to Gallery

Texas law enforcement agencies will boost efforts to curb drunken driving statewide next week, the Texas Department of Transportation announced.

The increased concentration on busting alleged intoxicated drivers is part of the state agency's "Drink Drive, Go To Jail" campaign, according to a news release.

The law enforcement surge against drunken driving is scheduled to start Aug. 21 and end Sept. 7, surrounding the Labor Day holiday.

"Don't turn your summer fun into a life-changing tragedy by being irresponsible when it comes to drinking and driving," John Barton, the department's deputy executive director, said in the release. "A safe and sober ride should be at the top of your list when making plans with family and friends. If not, you run the serious risk of being pulled over by law enforcement, being killed or killing someone else. It's just not worth it."

RELATED: Records: 70 arrested in Bexar County on felony drunken driving charges in July

Last summer in Texas, 336 people were killed in alcohol-related crashes, the release said. 680 were seriously injured.

Law enforcement officers in Bexar County have arrested a total of 486 felony DWI arrests — including driving while intoxicated with at least two prior convictions, driving while intoxicated with a child passenger, intoxication assault or intoxication manslaughter — since January 1, according to Bexar County District Attorney's Office records and Express-News archives.

At least seven of those arrested were charged with intoxication manslaughter.

jfechter@mySA.com

Twitter: @JFreports