TXDOT urges safe driving

As a reminder to keep the holidays happy and safe, the Texas Department of Transportation is urging Texans to give themselves and others the gift of a sober ride as they make the rounds to their seasonal celebrations.
To raise awareness, TxDOT’s Sober Ride Sleigh — a donated holiday-decorated limousine with a giant bow on top — is visiting select cities, making stops at shopping malls, popular landmarks, parades and other events to encourage the gifts of safety and sober driving.
 “When it comes to the holidays, planning is everything,” said Phil Wilson, TxDOT executive director. “The best holiday planners make exhaustive checklists as they prepare for the perfect party or favorite holiday meal.
Planning for a sober ride is no different. This year, a sober ride should be on every holiday to-do list.”
 During last year’s holiday season (Dec. 1, 2012 to Jan. 1, 2013), there were 776 DWI-alcohol-related crashes in Texas, resulting in 239 serious injuries and 78 fatalities –  a 21.8-percent increase in fatalities compared with the previous holiday season.
In an effort to curb holiday crashes and fatalities, TxDOT’s Sober Ride Sleigh gears up as law enforcement officers increase patrols.
Officers throughout the state will work thousands of additional hours to crack down on drunk driving, including implementing no-refusal programs in many jurisdictions.
 Be a Holiday Hero; Win a Trip to New York
 

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