Texas launches campaign to urge Spring Breakers not to drink and drive

Texas_welcome_signThere were more than 45o alcohol-related crashes involving young people during Spring Break 2015 in Texas, with 16 deaths and 43 serious injuries. But the state’s Department of Transportation is hoping to change that this year.

TxDOT is running a “Plan While You Can” campaign during the peak Spring Break period of March 1-19. In addition to a multi-city tour, the campaign will mean an increased presence of DUI patrols and enforcements across the state.

“Besides being a potentially deadly choice, the cost of a DUI is far-reaching with long-term consequences that can negatively impact a young person’s future,” said TxDOT Traffic Operations Division Director Carol Rawson. “Many of these young people are under 21 and it is against the law for them to drink alcohol. A young life cut short is a heartbreaking tragedy so we urge every driver to obey the law and make responsible choices.”

The campaign is going on the road with an interactive dodgeball game that simulates alcohol’s effects on reflexes at the University of Texas at El Paso, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Texas Tech in Lubbock, Buc-ee’s in New Braunfels, South by Southwest in Austin and South Padre Island.

TxDOT will also take the time at the “Plan While You Can” stops to tell everyone to always plan for a sober driver ahead of going out. The state’s SoberRides.org gives resources to find alternatives to drinking and driving like calling a cab or other driver services such as Uber.