TxDOT Reminds Texans To Drive Sober with No Regrets During Football Season

AUSTIN, TX –– According to TxDOT, in Texas, one person dies every nine hours and six minutes in a DUI-alcohol-related traffic crash. In 2020, a total of 963 people were killed and 2,114 were seriously injured because of impaired drivers. 

With football season in full swing, TxDOT is reminding fans to celebrate responsibly by having a sober ride.

“Fall football is a time-honored tradition in our state, but one regrettable decision to drink and drive could turn game day into a jail time or a deadly crash,” said TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams. ”Whether fans are tailgating with friends or celebrating their team’s big win, we want everyone to enjoy the season responsibly.”

TxDOT urges Texans to remember drunk driving is 100-percent preventable and can have serious physical, emotional, and financial consequences that can last for years. 

In addition to the loss of life and injuries that can occur, getting a DWI can be expensive and cause legal hassles. 

"A DWI crash can devastate the lives of victims and survivors forever.

There are many sober ride options available," said TxDOT in a statement. "Designate a sober driver, call a taxi, use a rideshare service, stay put, call a friend or family member or use mass transit to ensure you don’t drive impaired."

This fall TxDOT’s Drive Sober. No Regrets. campaign will conduct outreach events at college campuses across the s,tate in conjunction with football season. These events will include a video exhibit, featuring video testimonials of Texans who deal with the daily consequences of drunk driving, either as an offender or survivor. 

The 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, like wearing a seat belt, driving the speed limit, never texting and driving, and never driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. 

November 7, 2000, was the last deathless day on Texas roadways. #EndTheStreakTX asks all Texans to commit to driving safely to help end the streak of daily deaths on Texas roadways.