Monday, September 16, 2024
AUSTIN – The reckless act of drinking and driving could change your life forever, but it only takes a few minutes to find a sober ride.
As law enforcement increases its presence on Texas roadways leading up to Labor Day, drivers can save their own lives and the lives of others by finding a rideshare, transit or other safe ride.
While many people enjoyed an extra day off during the Labor Day weekend last year, 14 Texas families and communities mourned the loss of a loved one. In 2023, there were 334 DUI-alcohol related traffic crashes in our state over the Labor Day holiday weekend, resulting in 14 fatalities and 35 serious injuries.
The Texas Department of Transportation wants to prevent these crashes and save lives by encouraging drivers to make the right choice this Labor Day holiday weekend and beyond. Beyond the possibility of taking a life — including your own — driving impaired and getting a DWI can result in time-consuming legal hassles and fines and fees up to $17,000.
TxDOT is launching the “Drive Sober. No Regrets” campaign to remind motorists about the dangers of drunk driving. In partnership with local law enforcement, the campaign urges Texans to always make the right choice and get a sober ride home — or face the consequences.
At the center of the campaign is Analicia Zarate of Edinburg, who was just 4 years old when she and her mom were headed home from church Nov. 12, 2000. A drunk driver ran a stop sign and hit their car, killing her mom (Nereida Flores Garza) instantly. Due to Analicia’s own injuries from the crash, she wasn’t able to attend her mom’s funeral.
“Every drunk driving fatality is preventable, plain and simple,” said TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams. “If you plan to celebrate Labor Day by drinking, make sure you arrange a sober ride using a rideshare, taxi, public transit or a designated driver.
TxDOT is working with law enforcement agencies across the state as they boost efforts to identify and arrest drunk drivers through the Labor Day holiday.
“Drive Sober. No Regrets” 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 to help end the streak of daily deaths. Nov. 7, 2000, was the last deathless day on Texas roadways.
