Texas law enforcement increasing patrols to arrest drunk drivers as Labor Day approaches
Monday, Aug. 22, would have been a milestone birthday for Andrea Elizalde – her 21st, – a birthday that will leave the hearts of her family and friends still hurting more than three years after her death following an alcohol-related crash.
Her father, in tears, shared the mission of Andrea’s Project at press conference Aug. 17, hosted by the Texas Department of Transportation’s (TxDOT) Amarillo District. David Elizalde thanked law enforcement officials for their continued efforts to combat drunk driving, as well as lawmakers – including State Rep. Four Price, Potter County District Attorney Randall Sims, and Randall County District Attorney Robert Love, according to a TxDOT news release.
Stories like this are part of the TxDOT’s "Drive Sober. No Regrets." campaign. They're also the reason Texas law enforcement officers are increasing their efforts to pull over motorists suspected of drunk driving leading up to Labor Day Weekend, now through Sept. 5.
According to TxDOT, on average, one person dies every 7 hours and 57 minutes in the state because of a DUI-alcohol related traffic crash. In fact, last year, 1,100 people were killed and 2,560 were seriously injured on Texas roads because someone chose to get behind the wheel after drinking, TxDOT said.
“If you choose to celebrate the end of summer by drinking and driving, then know that police around the state will be on the lookout, will pull you over and arrest you,” said TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams. “When you drink and drive, you put everyone else on the road at risk too. These crashes are 100% preventable and can have fatal and/or serious physical, emotional and financial consequences.”
Leading up to the traditionally busy holiday weekend, TxDOT is reminding everyone about the dangers of drunk driving. The campaign also coincides with the national increased enforcement period sponsored by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The "Drive Sober. No Regrets." campaign is a key component of #EndTheStreakTX, a broader social media and word-of-mouth effort that encourages drivers to make safer choices while behind the wheel such as wearing a seat belt, driving the speed limit, never texting and driving and never driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. More than 20 years later ― Nov. 7, 2000, was the last deathless day on Texas roadways.
#EndTheStreakTX asks all Texans to commit to driving safely to help end the streak of daily deaths on Texas roadways.
This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Texas law enforcement increasing patrols as Labor Day approaches
