Texas Border Business
PHARR, Texas — Every year on Texas roads hundreds of people are killed and thousands seriously injured in drunk driving crashes—crashes that are 100% preventable. That’s why as part of its Drive Sober. No Regrets. campaign TxDOT is working with law enforcement officers around the state to step up efforts to identify and arrest drunk drivers in the weeks leading up to the Labor Day holiday, from August 19 through September 5.
Last year Texas saw more than 25,000 DUI-alcohol related traffic crashes, resulting in 1,100 fatalities and 2,560 serious injuries.
On average, 1 person in Texas dies every 7 hours and 57 minutes because of a drunk driver.
CRASH DATA:
Statewide In 2021, there were 346 DUI-alcohol related traffic crashes during the Labor Day time period, resulting in 22 fatalities and 52 serious injuries.
In the *Pharr District during the 2021 Labor Day holiday time period, there were 22 DUI-alcohol related traffic crashes, resulting in 1 fatality and 4 serious injuries.
*The TxDOT “Pharr District” encompasses the 8 southernmost counties of deep south Texas: Cameron, Willacy, Hidalgo, Starr, Zapata, Brooks, Jim Hogg & Kennedy.
AUSTIN – Jessica says her mom used to say that the good die young. Tragically, that saying came true while hermom was teaching her how to drive and a drunk driver failed to yield, killing her instantly and sending Jessica tothe hospital. Stories like this are part of the Texas Department of Transportation’s Drive Sober. No Regrets.campaign and the reason Texas law enforcement officers will increase their efforts to pull over motoristssuspected of drunk driving from August 19 through September 5.
On average, 1 person dies every 7 hours and 57 minutes in Texas because of a DUI-alcohol related traffic crash. Last year, 1,100 people were killed and 2,560 were seriously injured on Texas roads because someone chose to get behind the wheel after drinking.
“If you choose to celebrate the end of summer by drinking and driving, then know that police around the state willbe on the lookout, will pull you over and arrest you,” said TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams. “When youdrink and drive, you put everyone else on the road at risk too. These crashes are 100% preventable and can havefatal and/or serious physical, emotional and financial consequences.”
Leading up to Labor Day, TxDOT is reminding everyone about the dangers of drunk driving. The campaign coincides with the national increased enforcement period sponsored by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The Drive Sober. No Regrets. campaign is a key component of #EndTheStreakTX, a broader social media andword-of-mouth effort that encourages drivers to make safer choices while behind the wheel such as wearing aseat belt, driving the speed limit, never texting and driving, and never driving under the influence of alcohol orother drugs. November 7, 2000, was the last deathless day on Texas roadways. #EndTheStreakTX asks allTexans to commit to driving safely to help end the streak of daily deaths on Texas roadways.
