TxDOT, students team up to prevent drunk driving

As spring break approaches, TxDOT is teaming up with college students to make sure their celebrations don’t have catastrophic consequences.

The “Drive Sober. No Regrets” campaign is traveling to college campuses and spring break hot spots across the state to spread the message that there is always a safe and sober way to get home. TxDOT is partnering with campus-based U in the Driver Seat and student leaders across Texas to reinforce this message with their classmates.

“Every death due to drunk driving is preventable,” TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams said, “We want students to understand that it’s easy to celebrate spring break safely. By finding a sober ride, taking a cab, using a rideshare, or simply staying put after drinking, students can make sure their families gather for graduation and not a funeral.”

In 2022, there were 810 DUI-alcohol-related traffic crashes during the spring break period, killing 44 people and seriously injuring 90 others. All because someone chose to get behind the wheel while impaired. More than half of alcohol-related crashes during Spring Break 2022 involved young drivers from 17 to 30 years old.

Throughout March, Tx-DOT will show the real consequences of driving after drinking as it brings its mobile “DUI Not So Fun House” and video exhibit to college campuses and key spring break locations across Texas.

The mobile exhibit lets people experience the effects of alcohol and the dangers associated with driving under the influence. The exhibit also features powerful video testimonials from people who have dealt firsthand with the consequences of drunk driving, either as an offender or survivor. These stories and tips on finding a sober ride can be found at https://www.soberrides.org/media-center/ TxDOT’s Drive Sober. No Regrets. campaign is a key component of #EndTheStreakTX, a broader social media and word-of-mouth effort that encourages drivers to make safer choices while behind the wheel to help end the streak of daily deaths. Nov. 7, 2000, was the last deathless day on Texas roadways.