November 30, 2017 - TxDOT’s ‘Plan While You Can’ campaign aims to reduce crashes, save lives during holiday season
During last year’s holiday season,* approximately one in four deaths on Texas roadways were alcohol-related. In an effort to reduce these fatalities, the Texas Department of Transportation’s “Plan While You Can” campaign reminds drivers to make planning a sober ride part of their holiday celebrations.
“Tragically, there are many families who experience the holidays without a loved one due to a drunk driver,” said TxDOT Executive Director James Bass. “We need to remember that each time someone dies or is seriously injured on our roadways, it affects a family and an entire community. Don’t make a bad decision that could cause heartache for your family and others. Make a plan to get home safely. It could save lives.”
In 2016, there were 2,321 alcohol-related crashes in Texas during the holiday season.* Those crashes killed 82 people and seriously injured another 199.
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. As always, TxDOT strongly encourages everyone to plan for a sober ride before going out. Visit SoberRides.org to find alternatives to drinking and driving, such as:
- Designating a sober driver.
- Contacting a cab or ride-share service.
- Using mass transit.
- Asking a sober friend or family member for a ride home.
- Spending the night.
For more information, contact Rhonda.Oaks@txdot.gov or call (936) 633-4395.
*Dec. 1, 2016 – Jan. 1, 2017
The information contained in this report represents reportable data collected from the Texas Peace Officer's Crash Report (CR-3). This information was received and processed by the department as of Oct. 30, 2017.
