DPS urges drivers to ‘Plan While You Can’

This holiday season, TxDOT is focusing on the issue of impaired driving by encouraging people to save a life by making a plan to get home safely before the holiday festivities begin. 

The Plan While You Can impaired driving campaign encourages drivers statewide to plan for a sober ride before enjoying festivities where drinking may occur. 

The campaign will run through Jan. 1, 2019 and coincides with an enforcement period in which DWI patrols will be at increased capacity looking for drunk drivers on Texas roadways. 

Too often a designated driver is chosen during the evening and is often considered the “least drunk” person in the group. The designated driver should be a sober driver.  

Unfortunately in many of our Texas towns and cities, mass transit and/or taxi availability is limited – another important reason this campaign message is about planning ahead and reminding our fellow Texans to Plan While You Can.

Texas Statistics

During the 2016 Holiday Season (Dec. 1, 2016 to Jan. 1, 2017), there were 2,321 DUI-alcohol related traffic crashes in Texas, resulting in 82 fatalities and 199 serious injuries. 

During the 2016 New Year’s Holiday (6:00 p.m., Friday, Dec. 30, 2016, to 11:59 p.m., Monday, Jan. 2, 2017.), there were 4,054 traffic crashes in Texas, resulting in 44 fatalities and 171 serious injuries.

Texans can help make the holidays merry and bright all season long by remembering to make a plan to get home safely before the festivities begin. 

Visit SoberRides.org to plan your ride home before the holiday parties begin because drivers under the influence of alcohol could face up to $17,000 in fines and fees, and could lose their license. 

Remember, it’s the most wonderful time of the year, but one poor decision to drink and drive could bring a devastating end to holiday celebrations. Plan While You Can this holiday season so you don’t Drink. Drive. Go To Jail.