URGENT UPDATE: Texas law enforcement agencies are ramping up efforts to combat impaired driving during the holiday season, a time notorious for a surge in alcohol-related crashes. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has just launched its statewide “Drive Sober. No Regrets” campaign, urging Texans to plan for sober rides to ensure safety on the roads.
The intensified enforcement period runs from December 12, 2023, through January 1, 2024, coinciding with a troubling trend. In the 2024 holiday season alone, Texas recorded over 2,000 drunken-driving crashes, leading to 96 deaths and 201 serious injuries. Officials are emphasizing that these tragic incidents are preventable and can result in devastating long-term consequences.
As part of this initiative, the Garland Police Department and other North Texas law enforcement agencies will increase DWI patrols, deploying both marked and unmarked units during nighttime hours throughout the enforcement period. Safety officials stress that a first-time DWI conviction could cost offenders as much as $17,000 when considering fines, legal fees, court-ordered programs, and increased insurance rates.
In an effort to promote responsible celebrations, the Dallas County DWI Taskforce is providing digital ads in both English and Spanish, featuring QR codes that offer discounts of $20 or more on Lyft rides. This initiative encourages individuals to secure safe transportation options after drinking.
Officials are urging all Texans to remember that impaired driving can lead to life-altering physical, emotional, and financial repercussions. The message is clear: Drive sober or risk your life and the lives of others.
As the holiday festivities approach, residents are reminded to plan ahead and take advantage of transportation services. The consequences of impaired driving are far-reaching, but with awareness and proactive measures, lives can be saved this season.
Stay tuned for more updates as law enforcement continues to monitor the situation closely. Remember, safety on the roads is everyone’s responsibility. Share this vital information to help keep your community safe this holiday season!
