Deaths over 2021 spring break show true consequences of driving drunk

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.

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.

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 such as 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.