Texas launches statewide campaign against drunk driving ahead of Labor Day to prevent tragedies

Austin, Texas – Texas law enforcement agencies are joining the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in a national crackdown on drunk driving. Between August 15 and September 1, officers across the state will increase patrols to identify and stop drivers under the influence of alcohol, aiming to prevent the kind of deadly crashes that too often mar the holiday weekend.

This heightened enforcement effort is part of NHTSA’s national initiative and is being supported locally by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) through its Drive Sober. No Regrets. campaign—an extension of the broader Drive like a Texan: Kind. Courteous. Safe. effort. This campaign encourages Texans to take pride in keeping each other safe on the roads by making smart, considerate decisions behind the wheel.

“Whether it’s coming home from the pool or a BBQ, summer fun can end quickly with just one bad decision,” TxDOT reminds. “Every 23 minutes there’s a crash involving a driver under the influence of alcohol. That’s more than 60 crashes a day and adds up to a lifetime of pain for families who lost loved ones.”

Labor Day Brings Increased Risk

Data from 2024 paints a grim picture of alcohol-related crashes across the state. During the summer period from June 1 to August 31, 273 people lost their lives and another 596 were seriously injured in crashes involving a drunk driver. These sobering figures underscore the stakes as Labor Day approaches.

Over just one weekend—Friday, August 30 to Monday, September 2, 2024—Texas experienced 327 DUI-alcohol-related crashes. These resulted in 10 deaths and 36 serious injuries. Alarmingly, 24 percent of all traffic deaths during that time were tied to impaired driving.

These tragedies are what TxDOT and local law enforcement are working to prevent this year. Officers will be on high alert for any signs of impaired driving, and those caught under the influence will face the legal and personal consequences that come with putting lives at risk.

A Call for Responsible Choices

“As Texans, we care about our neighbors and families, and that doesn’t stop when we get behind the wheel,” said TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams. “Even when you are celebrating Labor Day, it’s important to do so responsibly and choose a sober ride so we can all get home safely.”

TxDOT emphasizes that there are always safer alternatives: plan ahead, designate a sober driver, use public transportation, or call a ride-share service. The point is not just to avoid a ticket—it’s to avoid a tragedy.

Texans are known for taking care of one another, and this campaign is a reminder that the choices we make on the road can mean the difference between life and death. The Drive Sober. No Regrets. campaign wants every driver to take that responsibility seriously.

So as the holiday weekend approaches, TxDOT urges everyone to keep safety first. Drive like a Texan—kind, courteous, and sober.