Approximately one in four traffic deaths during last year’s holiday season were alcohol-related, according to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT).
Between December 1, 2016 and January 1, 2017, there were 2,321 alcohol-related crashes in Texas. These crashes killed 82 people and seriously injured another 199.
“Tragically, there are many families who experience the holidays without a loved one due to a drunk driver,” said TxDOT Executive Director James Bass. “We need to remember that each time someone dies or is seriously injured on our roadways, it affects a family and an entire community. Don’t make a bad decision that could cause heartache for your family and others. Make a plan to get home safely. It could save lives.”
TxDOT’s “Plan While You Can” campaign reminds drivers to make planning a sober ride part of their holiday celebrations. This year’s campaign includes a statewide tour featuring an interactive dodgeball game where participants avoid incoming “snow balls” as virtual drinks are added to the screen. As more drinks are added, participants experience how drinking can slow their reaction times as on-screen avatars begin responding more slowly to their players’ movements. The experience will visit eight Texas cities during December.
TxDOT encourages partygoers to visit SoberRides.org to plan how they will get home before setting out.
