Plan A Sober Ride

 

 

 

TxDOT URGES SPRING BREAKERS TO PLAN A SOBER RIDE

‘Plan While You Can’ campaign aims to reduce crashes, save lives during Spring Break

AUSTIN – During Spring Break 2015, there were 459 crashes in Texas involving young drivers (17-34 years of age) under the influence of alcohol. Those accidents led to 43 serious injuries and 16 fatalities.

The Texas Department of Transportation is hoping to reduce these numbers through “Plan While You Can,” a campaign that runs March 1-19 to coincide with Spring Break and an increase in DUI patrols and enforcement in Texas.

“Besides being a potentially deadly choice, the cost of a DUI is far-reaching with long-term consequences that can negatively impact a young person’s future,” said TxDOT Traffic Operations Division Director Carol Rawson. “Many of these young adults are under 21, and it is against the law for them to drink alcohol. A young life cut short is a heartbreaking tragedy, so we urge every driver to obey the law and make responsible choices.”

The “Plan While You Can” campaign is a multi-city tour featuring an interactive dodgeball game that uses gaming technology to replicate the effects of alcohol on a person’s reflexes. As participants play, virtual drinks are added, and the players’ on-screen avatars become less able to dodge incoming “beach balls.” The game demonstrates how even one drink can slow reaction times.

The “Plan While You Can” tour will stop at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Tuesday (Mar 8); Texas Tech in Lubbock Thursday (Mar 10); Buc-ee’s in New Braunfels Saturday (Mar 12); South by Southwest in Austin Thursday (Mar 17); and South Padre Island Saturday (Mar 19).

Drivers under the influence of alcohol can face up to $17,000 in fines, legal fees, impoundment and other costs. As always, TxDOT strongly encourages everyone to plan for a sober ride before going out. Visit SoberRides.org to find alternatives to drinking and driving, such as:

Calling a taxi or using a transportation app on your smartphone.
Using mass transit.
Asking a sober friend or family member for a ride home.
Spending the night.
For more information, contact TxDOT Media Relations at MediaRelations@txdot.gov or (512) 463-8700.

The information contained in this report represents reportable data collected from the Texas Peace Officer’s Crash Report (CR-3). This information was received and processed by the department as of Feb. 19, 2016.