As the holiday season hits full swing in Texas, officials are cracking down on road safety, aiming to reduce crashes and fatalities. The Texas Department of Transportation and law enforcement have embarked on a two-fold mission to keep drivers safe and sober.
The Texas Highway Patrol is beefing up patrols from December 22 to January 1, enforcing traffic laws around the board. They are on the hunt for speeders, seatbelt shirkers, and drunk drivers, as part of "Operation CARE (Crash Awareness and Reduction Effort)," a widespread initiative. According to KSAT, officers doled out over 108,400 citations and warnings during the holiday enforcement last year.
In an echo of last year's grim statistics, TxDOT reminded the public that the holidays are not just a time of cheer, but a mark of loss for families of drunk driving victims. Last year in Texas, there were 1,246 fatal drunk driving incidents. In December alone, 108 people were killed and 229 sustained serious injuries in DUI-alcohol-related crashes, a period that left enduring scars on numerous families.
Marc Williams, TxDOT's Executive Director, urged Texans to avoid turning celebrations into catastrophes. "Don’t turn your holiday event into a life-changing tragedy by drinking and driving," Williams said. As reported by a TxDOT release, he emphasized the importance of arranging a sober ride home, "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."
TXDOT's Drive Sober. No Regrets. campaign will be pivotal during its support of the intensified law-enforcement period, spanning from December 16 through January 1. The campaign will manifest across various media, including radio, television, billboards and at local establishments to dissuade Texans from drinking and driving. This advocacy is part of the larger initiative, #EndTheStreakTX, a commitment to promote safety on Texas roads, where not a single day since November 7, 2000, has passed without a roadway fatality.
Alongside visual reminders, TxDOT also offers a trove of practical tips for drivers venturing out this season. From the stance of buckling up, avoiding distractions, to driving defensively and knowing when to clear accident scenes, TxDOT implores the driving public to take these guidelines seriously. For those needing roadside assistance, the Texas Roadside Assistance number is 1-800-525-5555, a life-saving detail available at the back of a Texas Driver's License.
With an expectation of increased patrols and a concerted effort from TxDOT to push for sober driving, the message is clear: safety is the cornerstone of holiday travel on Texas roadways, to ensure every Texan can enjoy the season without regress. For emergencies, dial 9-1-1 and report non-urgent suspicious activities through the IWatch Texas program.
