The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is intensifying its efforts to prevent drunk driving during this year's holiday season, with a stark reminder that the joy of festivities can be shattered in an instant by the choice to drive under the influence. A TxDOT survey revealed that the majority of individuals who admitted to driving while intoxicated stated they did so after leaving a friend’s home. Hence, as people swarm to stores for holiday provisions, TxDOT is setting up a mobile interactive exhibit at Walmart locations to drive the message home about the dangers of drunk driving, according to Texas Department of Transportation news release.
As the holiday period approaches, state statistics become more worrying, with drunk driving cases spiking up to 28%, compared to the year-round average of 25%. "It's not okay to drink and drive," emphasized TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams, "It’s not okay for a friend or family member to go through the death of a loved one at the hands of people who are drinking and driving." Williams encourages finding a sober ride as a priority for those who indulge. The Drive Sober. No Regrets. campaign aims to reinforce this message through various media outlets including TV, radio, and billboards as well as within bars, restaurants, and convenience stores.
Texas sees more than 1,500 traffic crashes daily. First responders put their lives on the line to help those involved in these crashes. This Crash Responder Safety Week, we urge drivers to help keep them safe — move over or slow down. #BeSafeDriveSmart #EndTheStreakTX #CRSW pic.twitter.com/gaPMlst9ct
— TxDOT (@TxDOT) November 21, 2024
This issue hits close to home for many Texans, like Yolanda Carson of Mansfield, who lost her daughter to a drunk driving-related crash. Carson's daughter, Jade Jiles, was only 23 when she died tragically while trying to save a friend’s dog. The lament echoes for the 126 people killed, and 272 seriously injured last Thanksgiving and holiday season due to such preventable incidents. Carson, recounting the unfortunate event, said, "Our family continues to be devastated by Jade’s passing. She had such a bright future ahead of her," and described the heartbreak of Jade not being able to pursue her dreams or see her six-month-old son grow up, she told TxDOT.
The campaign's timing coincides with increased law enforcement presence from Dec. 13 through Jan. 1, a period marked by festive celebrations and heightened risk. This tactical response is part of the #EndTheStreakTX initiative, which aims to bring an end to the daily loss of life on Texas roads, a streak that has persisted since Nov. 7, 2000. For those partaking in holiday cheer that involves alcohol, TxDOT pleads with the public to think ahead by designating a sober driver or using a rideshare service, taxi, or public transit, or alternatively by choosing to stay put until sober. For media inquiries, TxDOT Media Relations can be reached at [email protected] or 512-463-8700, the news release stated.
