TxDOT Urges Drivers to Plan for a Sober Ride Leading up to Labor Day Holiday
‘Plan While You Can’ Campaign aims to reduce crashes, save lives
during holiday weekend
AUSTIN, Texas–(BUSINESS WIRE)–As celebrations are finalized to mark the last days of summer, the Texas
Department of Transportation urges drivers to make a plan leading up to
the Labor Day holiday — a plan for a safe and sober ride home.
“Drinking and driving remains a big problem in Texas,” said TxDOT
Executive Director James Bass. “If you plan to drink, you must plan
ahead for a safe and sober ride home. It’s a plan that could save a
family — even your own — from the heartbreak of losing a loved one.”
TxDOT’s “Plan While You Can” campaign kicked off today in San Antonio
and runs through September 5 to coincide with Labor Day and increased
DWI enforcement in Texas. During the Labor Day holiday period in 2015,
there were 359 alcohol-related crashes that led to 12 fatalities and 36
serious injuries.
The campaign is a multi-city tour featuring an interactive
dodgeball game that uses gaming technology to educate the public
about the effects of alcohol on a person’s reflexes. As participants
play, virtual drinks are added and the players’ on-screen avatars become
less able to dodge incoming “dodgeballs.” The game demonstrates how even
one drink can slow reaction times.
As always, TxDOT strongly encourages everyone to plan for a sober ride
before going out. In addition to potentially life threatening crashes,
drivers under the influence of alcohol could face up to $17,000 in fines
and fees, jail time and loss of their driver’s license. Visit SoberRides.org
to find alternatives to drinking and driving, such as:
- Calling a taxi or using a transportation app on your smartphone.
- Using mass transit.
- Asking a sober friend or family member for a ride home.
- Stay where you are and spend the night.
For media inquiries, contact TxDOT Media Relations at MediaRelations@txdot.gov
or (512) 463-8700.
The information contained in this report represents reportable data
collected from the Texas Peace Officer’s Crash Report (CR-3). This
information was received and processed by the department as of Aug. 4,
2016.
The Texas Department of Transportation is responsible for maintaining
80,000 miles of road and for supporting aviation, rail, and public
transportation across the state. TxDOT and its 12,000 employees are
committed to working with others to provide safe and reliable
transportation solutions for Texas by maintaining a safe system,
addressing congestion, connecting Texas communities, and being a
Best-in-Class state agency. Find out more at txdot.gov.
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Contacts
TxDOT
David Glessner, 512-463-8700
MediaRelations@txdot.gov
