MoCo District Attorney joins law enforcement and MADD mothers for ‘100 Deadliest Days’ summer safety press conference

THE WOODLANDS, TX – Montgomery County District Attorney Brett Ligon and staff from his office joined with several community leaders, law enforcement officers, first responders, members of the public, and local media for the 2024 Montgomery County Summer Safety Press Conference. This annual event takes place shortly before the Memorial Day weekend to encourage the public to enjoy the summer while avoiding dangerous consequences.

Ligon spoke about the united effort of first responders and community partners to promote a safe and enjoyable summer. Standing behind in union were staff from the District Attorney’s Office, Sheriff Rand Henderson and a number of his deputies, Precinct 3 Commissioner James Noack, representatives from The Woodlands Township, the chief of the Montgomery County Hospital District, staff from Woodlands Fire Department, Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, Montgomery County Constable Precincts 1, 3, and 4, the police departments of the Cities of Conroe, Magnolia, Shenandoah, and Splendora, and several members of Mothers Against Drunk Driving,

Assistant District Attorney and Vehicular Crimes Unit Chief Prosecutor Taylor Vanegas addressed the ‘100 Deadliest Days,’ the period from Memorial Day to Labor Day when there is a significant increase in roadway fatalities, particularly among teen drivers. Vanegas also announced that the No Refusal Program would be in effect throughout Memorial Day Weekend, where those pulled over for suspected cases of driving under the influence would be subjected to immediate warrants for blood draws if they declined to partake in field sobriety tests.

Special Victims Unit Chief Prosecutor ADA Brittney Aaron encouraged the public to act as the eyes and ears of the community while kids are out of school on summer vacation by reporting any children in dangerous situations; studies indicate that instances of child abuse actually rise over the summer break due to the otherwise safe environment of daily school not being available. Mrs. Aaron also advised parents to be mindful of the dangers for kids online.

Montgomery County Sheriff Rand Henderson expressed his confidence in his staff of nearly 1,000 to provide safety to residents of the area, while Chief James Campbell of the Montgomery County Hospital District stressed the dangers of heat-related injuries, ATV safety, and children’s swimming safety.

On behalf of Mothers Against Drunk Driving, local mother Charisse Thomas told the tragic story of how her daughter and grandson were each killed – in two separate instances – as a result of impaired and distracted driving.

Studies have shown that roadway fatalities increase by 15% or more during the 100 Deadliest Days; over the last 5 years, Montgomery County has averaged approximately 16 fatal crashes per year during this period. Over Memorial Day Weekend of 2023, the District Attorney’s Office filed 47 cases related to driving or boating while intoxicated.

When asked how someone could determine if they’ve had too much to drink to drive safely, Sheriff Henderson told Woodlands Online, “The best way to determine if you’ve had too much is if you’ve had any. Go ahead and plan for it. The way I like to rationalize it is, you may go to a restaurant intending to have one drink, but the intoxication that comes with two or more drinks can result in a bad decision. So plan for that bad decision. If you’re going to have any drinks – even one – plan to use a rideshare service or designated driver to get you home safely.”

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