AUSTIN The Texas Department of Transportation is using its “Drive Sober. No Regrets.” campaign to share with college students the real-life experiences of people affected by drunk driving crashes across Texas, a press release detailed.
TxDOT stated that one person in Texas dies every eight hours and 31 minutes in a DUI-alcohol related traffic crash. Last year, 1,029 people in Texas were killed and 2,522 seriously injured because someone chose to get behind the wheel while impaired. Over last year’s spring break, Texas saw 872 DUI-alcohol related traffic crashes. These crashes resulted in 30 fatalities and 107 serious injuries.
“These are disturbing numbers, especially as all of these crashes are preventable,” TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams stated in the press release. “Whether it’s transit, rideshare companies or a designated sober friend, there are several options for students to find a sober ride. We’re hoping these real-life stories show students that deadly consequences can and do happen every year during spring break.”
In 2021, there were 9,338 traffic crashes in the Odessa District, resulting in 144 fatalities and 347 serious injuries. There were 662 DUI-alcohol related traffic crashes, resulting in 37 fatalities and 78 serious injuries. During the 2021 Spring Break holiday time period, there were 32 DUI-alcohol related traffic crashes, resulting in three fatalities and eight serious injuries.
In the city of Odessa in 2021, there were 2,606 traffic crashes, resulting in 15 fatalities and 51 serious injuries. Of those, 173 were DUI-alcohol related traffic crashes, resulting in 11 fatalities and 19 serious injuries. During the 2021 Spring Break holiday time period, there were 12 DUI-alcohol related traffic crash, resulting in one serious injury.
In the city of Midland in 2021, there were 2,644 traffic crashes, resulting in 21 fatalities and 66 serious injuries. Of those, 163 were DUI-alcohol related traffic crashes, resulting in four fatalities and 18 serious injuries. During the 2021 Spring Break holiday time period, there were seven DUI-alcohol related traffic crash, resulting in one fatality and four serious injuries.
