In order to more stringently enforce its Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) laws, counties across Texas have implemented "no refusal weekends" - weekends where motorists suspected of driving drunk are forced to take a blood test if they refused to take a breathalyzer.

Texas has had these blood draw weekends - which generally are scheduled around major holidays - since 2008. Law enforcement officials say these weekends have been so successful in catching drunk drivers that the state plans to implement "no refusal weekends" on a monthly basis.

"We're hoping this will keep drunken drivers off the road and protect the motoring public," Sheriff Gary Painter told the Midland Reporter-Telegram. "This will save lives and keep people from having alcohol-related accidents."

In 2010, there were over 25,000 car accidents related to alcohol. These crashes resulted in over 1,000 fatalities and 16,877 non-fatal injuries.

DWIs in Texas

Texas leads the country in alcohol-related accidents, with someone in the state being hurt or killed every 20 minutes. The Texas Department of Transportation suggests that people who have been drinking designate a driver, take a cab or stay at someone else's home while they sober up.

Those who are charged with a DUI face stiff penalties. For example:

• A possible driver's license suspension
• A fine up to $2000
• Jail time (three to 180 days)

In addition, anyone who is driving with a child in the car while intoxicated may face child endangerment charges, which could result in up to two years in jail and a fine of up to $10,000. Anyone with a third or subsequent DWI or for those who seriously injure or kill someone while driving drunk can face a felony DWI. A conviction for felony DUI can bring $10,000 in fines and 10 years in prison. A second DWI conviction or a conviction for driving with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .15 or more also face stiffer penalties.