TxDOT URGES DRIVERS TO STAY SAFE, DRIVE SOBER FOR SPRING BREAK

  

As thousands of travelers prepare to hit the road for Spring Break, TxDOT reminds drivers to make plans for a sober ride home.

Spring Break can be a dangerous time on Texas roads, with hundreds of impaired driving crashes involving young drivers occurring each year.

Just last year alone during Spring Break in Texas, there were 444 crashes involving young drivers who were driving under the influence of alcohol, according to TxDOT.  Those crashes killed 11 people and seriously injured another 37.

TxDOT Executive Director James Bass said many promising lives are cut short because of a poor decision by someone to drink and drive.  He urged young drivers to make responsible choices during this holiday.

While drivers under the influence of alcohol risk killing or seriously injuring themselves or others, they also face up to $17,000 in fines and fees, jail time, and loss of their driver’s license.

There are several options to avoid drinking and driving, like designating a sober driver or calling someone for a sober ride home, contacting a cab or ride-share service, using mass transit, or spending the night.  To find other alternatives like these, go online to https://soberrides.org.