The Texas Department of Transportation’s (TxDOT) “Plan While You Can” campaign is reminding fans to make a sober ride part of their game-day plans.
Via a state-wide tour, the campaign enables participants to take part in an interactive dodgeball game that lets them see the effects of alcohol on performance. Players avoid incoming “footballs” as virtual drinks are added to the screen. As more drinks are added, their on-screen avatars begin responding more slowly to their movements.
“Football is big in Texas and while fans make plans to attend games, watch parties and tailgating events, we also strongly urge them to plan for a sober ride,” said TxDOT Executive Director James Bass. “Before you drink, make a game plan to get home safely. It’s a decision that could save lives.”
During the 2016 football season, September 3, 2016 to February 5, 2017, there were almost 10,500 alcohol-related traffic crashes in Texas. Those crashes resulted in 424 fatalities and 996 serious injuries.
Drivers under the influence of alcohol not only risk killing or seriously injuring themselves or others, but also face up to $17,000 in fines and fees, jail time and loss of their driver’s license. It’s also illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to consume alcohol.
