TxDOT launches campaign to stop drunk driving during the holidays

Austin, Texas – As the holiday season unfolds, celebrations across Texas are shadowed by the pain of loss for countless families whose loved ones were killed in preventable drunk driving crashes. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is urging all Texans to take a stand for safety this season by never getting behind the wheel while impaired and always securing a sober ride.

“The holidays are a wonderful time to be with family, and yet they can also be a painful reminder for those who have lost loved ones to preventable crashes,” said TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams. “Let’s make a new holiday tradition to drive like a Texan: kind, courteous and safe. That means always getting a sober ride.”

Devastating Numbers Reflect Avoidable Tragedies

According to TxDOT, December 2024 marked the highest number of crashes in the state caused by drunk drivers. More than 2,000 crashes during the holiday season were alcohol-related — a tragic statistic that officials say could have been completely avoided if drivers had simply made a different choice.

The emotional toll of these collisions is most visible in stories like that of Charisse Thomas, whose daughter, Destani, was killed by a drunk driver just hours after receiving her college acceptance letter.

“Every day, I sit at a table with an empty chair,” Thomas said. Destani was only a teenager when a 22-year-old man, who had been binge drinking all weekend, struck her head-on. “He got four years in prison, and my family got a life sentence,” Thomas shared.

How to Prevent Another Empty Chair

To stop more families from suffering the same fate, TxDOT is reminding Texans of the many options available to avoid drinking and driving:

• Designate a sober driver before going out

• Call a sober friend or family member for a ride

• Use public transit or a rideshare service

• Stay overnight instead of driving impaired

Interactive Campaigns and Heightened Enforcement

As part of its “Drive Sober. No Regrets.” campaign, TxDOT is taking its message directly to communities by partnering with Walmart locations in areas with high drunk driving fatality rates. A mobile exhibit will help raise awareness and educate the public on the life-altering consequences of impaired driving.

In addition, the campaign will include public service announcements on television, radio, billboards, and online platforms. Outreach will also extend to bars, restaurants, and convenience stores across Texas.

TxDOT’s efforts are being reinforced by law enforcement, with a heightened enforcement period from December 12 through January 1. During this time, more officers will be on the roads actively watching for impaired drivers.

“Drive Sober. No Regrets.” is a key part of the broader “Drive like a Texan: Kind. Courteous. Safe.” initiative, encouraging drivers to embody the respectful and responsible spirit of Texas behind the wheel.

A Call to Action for All Texans

The campaign aims to save lives by targeting the mindset and behavior of those who might otherwise risk driving under the influence. TxDOT hopes that by amplifying the voices of those who have lost loved ones, and by reminding drivers of the resources available, the message will resonate during this especially sensitive season.

By making a commitment to safety, kindness, and accountability, Texans can help ensure that this year’s holidays are full of joy, not sorrow. More information is available at DriveLikeATexan.com.