Drive Sober campaign encourages Texans to prioritize safe driving during holiday celebrations

Austin, Texas – As the holiday season begins, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is intensifying efforts to prevent drunk driving, a recurring tragedy that devastates thousands of families across the state each year. During the holidays, the proportion of traffic deaths caused by drunk driving increases to 28%, up from 25% throughout the rest of the year. This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need for heightened awareness and action.

Holiday Season Amplifies the Risks

Drunk driving crashes are entirely preventable, yet they remain a leading cause of fatalities in Texas. Last year alone, 126 people lost their lives, and 272 were seriously injured in drunk driving crashes during Thanksgiving and the holiday season. For these victims and their loved ones, what should have been a season of joy turned into one of unimaginable grief.

One heart-wrenching story is that of Jade Jiles, a 23-year-old from Mansfield, Texas, who was killed in 2013 by an impaired driver. Jade, a young mother with dreams of becoming a teacher, was struck while rescuing a friend’s blind dog. “Our family continues to be devastated by Jade’s passing. She had such a bright future ahead of her,” said her mother, Yolanda Carson. “She’ll never get a chance to step into the classroom or watch her son grow up. All because someone made the choice of getting behind the wheel after drinking.”

Reaching Texans Where They Are

TxDOT is addressing this issue directly by engaging Texans where they often prepare for holiday festivities. The agency’s mobile interactive exhibit will visit Walmart locations across the state, targeting shoppers who may be purchasing alcohol for holiday gatherings. This initiative aims to remind individuals of the dangers of drinking and driving before they make decisions that could have devastating consequences.

“It’s not okay to drink and drive,” said TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams. “It’s not okay for a friend or family member to go through the death of a loved one at the hands of people who are drinking and driving. It’s always possible to find a safe and sober ride home, so make it a priority any time you drink.”

Preventative Actions and Enforcement

TxDOT’s Drive Sober. No Regrets. campaign emphasizes that drunk driving crashes are preventable every single time. Options such as designating a sober driver, using rideshare services or public transit, or staying put until sober can save lives. The campaign also features public service announcements on TV, radio, billboards, and digital platforms, alongside heightened law enforcement efforts.

From December 13 through January 1, officers across Texas will be on high alert for impaired drivers. This period of increased enforcement aims to deter drunk driving and ensure safer roadways for everyone.

A Broader Effort to End Traffic Deaths

Drive Sober. No Regrets. is a key part of the broader #EndTheStreakTX initiative, a campaign aimed at ending daily traffic fatalities in Texas. November 7, 2000, marked the last day without a roadway death in the state—a streak TxDOT and its partners are determined to break.

For more information, contact Media Relations at [email protected] or call 512-463-8700. Together, through education, enforcement, and personal responsibility, Texas can move closer to a future where every holiday season is free from the heartbreak of drunk driving crashes.