AUSTIN, Texas — As Texans gear up to celebrate the holidays, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is reminding drivers to do so responsibly.
TxDOT launched its holiday drunk driving prevention campaign called "Drive Sober. No Regrets." It went into effect this weekend and will run through Jan. 1 in an effort to remind Texans to find a safe ride home.
Law enforcement officers across the state will be targeting drivers under the influence as Texas has seen an increase in crashes caused by drunk drivers this time of year.
“The greatest consequence a drunk driver faces is injuring or killing themselves or some other innocent party. They also face fines up to $17,000, jail time and even the loss of their driver's license," said Sgt. Shana Clark with TxDOT.
TxDOT reported that, last year, Texas saw more than 48,600 crashes during the holiday season between Dec. 1 and Jan. 1. More than 400 people died and 1,695 suffered serious injuries during that period.
Nearly a quarter of those deaths (23%) were related to drunken driving. In those instances, 98 people were killed and 236 were seriously injured.
“Drunk driving is definitely a problem in Texas. Every 7 hours and 57 minutes, someone dies in an alcohol related crash on Texas roads. We tend to see more drunk driving during the holiday period," said Sgt. Clark.
During last year's New Year’s celebrations, TxDOT issued more than 91,000 citations and warnings.
They are also telling people it is best to avoid driving during peak hours from midnight to 2 a.m.
“With everything going on in the world these past few years, we want everyone to be able to celebrate this joyous time of year without the tragic consequences of drinking and driving,” said TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams.
In an effort to reduce drunk driving during the holiday season, TxDOT is encouraging drivers to find sober rides if they decide to drink and to never get behind the wheel after drinking.
“Get together with family and friends and have a great time, but please find an alternative way home if you choose to drink. You have many options available,” Williams said.