Harris County ranks first in Texas for this growing problem, and law enforcement is taking action.
HOUSTON — Law enforcement agencies across the Houston area are stepping up patrols through New Year’s as part of TxDOT’s “Drive Sober, No Regrets” campaign, which aims to combat a surge in alcohol-related crashes that occurs each holiday season.
The campaign comes as officials report alarming statistics from last year. In the Houston area, there were 4,728 DUI alcohol-related crashes in 2023, resulting in 231 deaths and 382 serious injuries. During the holiday season alone, 452 of those crashes led to 20 deaths and 42 serious injuries.
TxDOT is visiting cities throughout Texas, including Houston, Austin and Beaumont, to educate the public on the dangers of drunk driving. The agency is partnering with local law enforcement to increase patrols starting tomorrow through the new year.
Danny Perez, TxDOT public information officer, emphasized the urgency of the problem.
“Those numbers continue to rise in Harris County for example. Harris County leads the state and we want to make sure we see those numbers come down.”
Officials stressed that drunk driving is a completely preventable problem that sadly leads to deaths and serious injuries year round, with those numbers growing during the holiday season.
TxDOT says the solution is simple: plan a sober ride ahead of time, whether that’s a rideshare service or a designated driver who isn’t drinking.