SAN ANTONIO – More than a thousand people were killed on Texas roads last year due to alcohol-related crashes. That equals about three lives lost every day.
Because of those alarming numbers, TxDOT is launching its End of Summer campaign, Drive Sober, No Regrets. The agency hopes the campaign will highlight the real cost of impaired driving while also warning drivers about the legal and personal consequences they could face.
Last summer alone, nearly 280 people were killed and almost 600 were seriously injured in DUI crashes on Texas roads. Over last year’s Labor Day weekend, there were 327 alcohol-related traffic crashes, resulting in 10 deaths and 36 serious injuries.
Law enforcement is also stepping up efforts to keep roads safe. Starting now through Labor Day on September 1, officers and Bexar County deputies will be on high alert for drunk drivers. The goal is to reduce DUI crashes, injuries, and fatalities not just in San Antonio, but across the state.
Arrange to take a rideshare, a taxi, public transportation, or you can even stay where you are to sober up enough to drive,” said Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar. “If you take the chance to drink and drive, area law enforcement will find you and we will arrest you.
Sheriff Salazar warns that drunk drivers could face thousands of dollars in lost wages, possible job loss, court fees, fines, and potential civil litigation. He also emphasized that drinking and driving is 100 percent preventable, and the moment someone chooses to do it, they are not only putting themselves at risk, but also their passengers and everyone else on the road.