Driver Sober. No Regrets.

DEATHS OVER 2021 SPRING BREAK SHOW TRUE CONSEQUENCES OF DRIVING DRUNK

TxDOT’s Driver Sober. No Regrets. the campaign urges students to celebrate spring break responsibly

ATLANTA ­– Stories behind the data show the actual consequences of driving drunk over spring break. That’s why TxDOT is using its “Drive Sober. No Regrets.” campaign to share with college students the real-life experiences of people affected by drunk driving crashes across Texas. 

One person in Texas dies every eight hours and 31 minutes in a DUI-alcohol-related traffic crash. Drinking last year killed 1,029 people in Texas and 2,522 seriously injured because someone chose to get behind the wheel while impaired. Over last year’s spring break, Texas saw 872 DUI-alcohol-related traffic crashes. These crashes resulted in 30 fatalities and 107 serious injuries.

“These are disturbing numbers, especially as all of these crashes are preventable,” said TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams. “Whether it’s transit, rideshare companies, or a designated sober friend, there are several options for students to find a sober ride. We’re hoping these real-life stories show students that deadly consequences can and do happen every year during spring break.”

Across the Atlanta District in 2021, there were 332 DUI-alcohol-related traffic crashes, resulting in 23 fatalities and 51 serious injuries. Over last year’s spring break in the Atlanta District, eight DUI-alcohol-related hits resulted in two serious injuries.

In Texarkana, Texas, in 2021, there were 48 DUI-alcohol-related traffic crashes, resulting in six serious injuries. Additionally, two DUI-alcohol-related traffic crashes in Texarkana, Texas, resulted in one serious injury during spring break.

Drinking and driving are 100% preventable and can have serious physical, emotional, and financial consequences that can last for years. Not only can a DWI hurt or kill someone, devastating the lives of victims and survivors forever, but it can also be expensive and cause significant legal hassles. It can also make it difficult to find or keep a job and bring a lifetime of regret.

Throughout March, TxDOT’s “Drive Sober. No Regrets.” campaign will conduct outreach events at critical spring break designations that are popular among college students. These events will include a video exhibit featuring powerful testimonials of Texans who deal with the daily consequences of drunk driving, either as offenders or survivors. You can find these humanizing stories and drunk driving facts at SoberRides.org.

The “Drive Sober. No Regrets.” campaign is a critical 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. November 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.