San Antonio, Texas, December 4, 2025
San Antonio Police report a significant rise in DWI arrests during this year’s Thanksgiving holiday, with 70 arrests made compared to 55 the previous year. This 27% increase is highlighted by a serious incident involving a mother driving under the influence with her six children in the vehicle, resulting in critical injuries. Local organizations are raising awareness about the importance of responsible decision-making during the holidays, while state enforcement efforts are intensified to combat impaired driving.
San Antonio Sees Increase in DWI Arrests During Thanksgiving Holiday
San Antonio, Texas – The San Antonio Police Department reported a significant rise in Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) arrests during the Thanksgiving holiday period this year. From November 25 to 29, 2025, officers made 70 DWI arrests, up from 55 during the same period in 2024.
Details of the Increase
This 27% increase in DWI arrests coincides with a serious incident on November 28, 2025. A 31-year-old mother, Brittany Winston, was arrested after crashing a Ford Explorer while driving under the influence with her six children inside. The crash resulted in injuries ranging from minor to critical for the children, all of whom were hospitalized. Winston faces multiple charges, including aggravated assault and injury to a child.
Community Response
Local organizations are expressing concern over the rising number of DWI arrests. The executive director of San Antonio’s Free Rides Program emphasized the need for responsible decision-making during the holidays. The program collaborates with local establishments to offer free and safe rides home for individuals who may have consumed alcohol.
Statewide Enforcement Efforts
In response to increased holiday travel, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) enhanced traffic enforcement during the Thanksgiving period. From November 26 to 30, 2025, DPS troopers focused on major highways and high-traffic areas, targeting violations such as speeding, seat belt non-compliance, and driving while intoxicated. Last year, DPS issued over 45,700 tickets and warnings during the Thanksgiving weekend, including 4,082 for speeding and 162 for DWI.
Background Context
The Thanksgiving holiday is traditionally associated with increased travel and gatherings, leading to a higher incidence of impaired driving. Law enforcement agencies, including the San Antonio Police Department and DPS, implement heightened patrols and enforcement initiatives during this period to ensure public safety. Despite these efforts, the rise in DWI arrests highlights the ongoing challenges in combating impaired driving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the increase in DWI arrests during the Thanksgiving holiday in San Antonio?
From November 25 to 29, 2025, San Antonio police made 70 DWI arrests, up from 55 during the same period in 2024.
What incident occurred during the Thanksgiving holiday in San Antonio related to impaired driving?
On November 28, 2025, Brittany Winston, a 31-year-old mother, was arrested after crashing a Ford Explorer while driving under the influence with her six children inside. The children sustained injuries ranging from minor to critical.
What is the Free Rides Program in San Antonio?
The Free Rides Program is a nonprofit initiative that partners with local bars and restaurants to offer free and safe rides home for individuals who may have consumed alcohol.
How did the Texas Department of Public Safety enhance traffic enforcement during the Thanksgiving period?
From November 26 to 30, 2025, DPS troopers increased patrols on major highways and high-traffic areas, focusing on violations such as speeding, seat belt non-compliance, and driving while intoxicated. Last year, DPS issued over 45,700 tickets and warnings during the Thanksgiving weekend, including 4,082 for speeding and 162 for DWI.
Why is there an increase in DWI arrests during the Thanksgiving holiday?
The Thanksgiving holiday is associated with increased travel and gatherings, leading to a higher incidence of impaired driving. Despite heightened law enforcement efforts, the rise in DWI arrests underscores the ongoing challenges in combating impaired driving.
Key Features of the Article
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | San Antonio, Texas |
| Time Period | November 25 to 29, 2025 |
| Number of DWI Arrests | 70 in 2025, up from 55 in 2024 |
| Notable Incident | 31-year-old mother arrested after crashing a Ford Explorer while driving under the influence with her six children inside |
| Community Response | Free Rides Program emphasizes responsible decision-making during holidays |
| Statewide Enforcement | Texas Department of Public Safety increased patrols focusing on violations such as speeding, seat belt non-compliance, and driving while intoxicated |
| Background Context | Thanksgiving holiday associated with increased travel and gatherings, leading to higher incidence of impaired driving |
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Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
