APD to begin SXSW "No Refusal" initiative tonight

AUSTIN, Texas - As the music portion of South by Southwest kicks in to high gear, Austin police are making sure no one gets hurt. They're launching a "No Refusal" initiative to crack down on drunk driving.

The initiative starts tonight at 9:00 and wraps up Sunday morning at 5:00 a.m. Anyone suspected of driving drunk who refuses a breathalyzer will be forced by court order to give a breath or blood sample right there on scene.

The goal is to keep drunk drivers off the roads and make sure everyone gets home safely.

To help limit the number of people on the roads, Austin police say plenty options are available.

During last year's SXSW, officers arrested 145 people for DWI over the course of nine days.

Extra officers are already out in full force, watching for aggressive drivers.

32 TABC agents are also in town to help patrol night clubs and bars.

If you plan to go out and party this week, you need to plan ahead for a safe ride home.

You can learn more about all of your options here.