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The holiday season gets its official start next week as many Texans gather around the table for Thanksgiving dinner. But for the families of the 1,246 people killed last year in Texas by drunk drivers, holiday seasons will never be the same.
Starting Dec. 1, 2022, there were 108 people killed and 229 people seriously injured in just 32 days in DUI-alcohol related crashes across the state. All of these families suffered painful memories that will last a lifetime. In the Austin District, there were 196 DUI-alcohol related traffic crashes during the 2022 holiday season time period, resulting in 14 fatalities and 24 serious injuries.
“Don’t turn your holiday event into a lifechanging tragedy by drinking and driving,” said TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams. “A safe and sober ride should be at the top of your list when making plans with family and friends. If not, you risk your job, your life and the lives of others. It’s just not worth it.”
Drunk driving crashes are completely preventable, yet they can cause physical, emotional and financial consequences that last for years. If you drink any amount of alcohol this holiday season, never get behind the wheel. Instead, designate a sober driver, use a rideshare service or taxi, stay put, call a friend or family member, or use public transportation to ensure you get home safely.
To remind Texans about the serious consequences of drunk driving and to always find a sober ride, TxDOT is bringing a mobile video exhibit across the state in a series of holiday-themed outreach events. Each interactive stop will feature powerful testimonials from people who have dealt firsthand with the consequences of drunk driving, either as an offender or survivor. These stories and tips on finding a sober ride can be found at SoberRides.org.
To encourage everyone to enjoy the holidays without drinking and driving, TxDOT’s Drive Sober. No Regrets. campaign will include PSAs on TV, radio, billboards and online, and at bars, restaurants and convenience stores statewide. The campaign runs in support of a heightened law enforcement period from Dec. 16 through Jan. 1, when more officers are on the road looking for drunk drivers.
The Drive Sober. No Regrets. campaign is a key component of #EndTheStreakTX, a broader social media and word-of-mouth effort that encourages drivers to make safer choices while behind the wheel, such as wearing a seat belt, driving the speed limit, never texting and driving, and never driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. Nov. 7, 2000, was the last deathless day on Texas roadways. #EndTheStreakTX asks all Texans to commit to driving safely to help end the streak of daily deaths on Texas roadways.
