DUI Crashes Increase During Spring Break

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There is never a good time to get behind the wheel after drinking alcohol.

The Texas Department of Transportation says DUI related crashes and deaths increase during Spring Break season.

Here is a Press Release from TxDOT:

Stories behind the data show the true consequences of driving drunk over spring break. That’s why TxDOT is using its Drive Sober. No Regrets. campaign to share with college students the real-life experiences of people affected by drunk driving crashes across Texas.

One person in Texas dies every eight hours and 31 minutes in a DUI-alcohol related traffic crash. Last year, 1,029 people in Texas were killed and 2,522 seriously injured because someone chose to get behind the wheel while impaired. Over last year’s spring break, Texas saw 872 DUI-alcohol related traffic crashes. These crashes resulted in 30 fatalities and 107 serious injuries.

“These are disturbing numbers, especially as all of these crashes are preventable,” said TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams. “Whether it’s transit, rideshare companies or a designated sober friend, there are several options for students to find a sober ride. We’re hoping these real-life stories show students that deadly consequences can and do happen every year during spring break.”

Across the Atlanta District in 2021, there were 332 DUI-alcohol related traffic crashes, resulting in 23 fatalities and 51 serious injuries. Over last year’s spring break in the Atlanta District, there were eight DUI-alcohol related crashes, resulting in two serious injuries.

In Texarkana, Texas in 2021, there were 48 DUI-alcohol related traffic crashes, resulting in six serious injuries. During spring break, there were two DUI-alcohol related traffic crashes in Texarkana, Texas, resulting in one serious injury.

Drinking and driving is 100% preventable and can have serious physical, emotional and financial consequences that can last for years. Not only can a DWI hurt or kill someone, devastating the lives of victims and survivors forever, it can be expensive and cause significant legal hassles. It can also make it difficult to find or keep a job and can bring a lifetime of regret.

Throughout March, TxDOT’s Drive Sober. No Regrets. campaign will conduct outreach events at key spring break designations that are popular among college students. These events will include a video exhibit featuring powerful testimonials of Texans who deal with the daily consequences of drunk driving, either as offenders or survivors. These humanizing stories and drunk driving facts can be found at SoberRides.org.

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