TxDOT, students team up to prevent DUI crashes

Special to the News-Standard

LUFKIN — As spring break approaches, TxDOT is teaming up with college students to make sure their celebrations don’t have catastrophic consequences.

The Drive Sober. No Regrets. campaign is traveling to college campuses and spring break hot spots across the state to spread the message that there is always a safe and sober way to get home.

“Every death due to drunk driving is preventable,” TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams said. “We want students to understand that it’s easy to celebrate spring break safely. By finding a sober ride, taking a cab, using a rideshare, or simply staying put after drinking, students can make sure their families gather for graduation and not a funeral.”

In 2022, there were 810 DUI-alcohol-related traffic crashes during the spring break period, killing 44 people and seriously injuring 90 others. All because someone chose to get behind the wheel while impaired.

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In the Lufkin District in 2022, there were 5,127 traffic crashes, resulting in 76 fatalities and 319 serious injuries. Of that number, 315 crashes were DUI-related that resulted in 17 fatalities and 51 serious injuries. During Spring Break 2022, there were 10 alcohol/DUI related traffic crashes in the Lufkin District that resulted in two serious injuries.

The Lufkin District urges students and parents traveling for Spring Break to make a plan to stay safe and sober. Remember, crashes caused by drunk driving are 100-percent preventable. Always designate a sober driver, plan ahead to call a taxi or rideshare service, stay put, or call a friend or a family member for a safe ride home if you plan to consume alcohol at events or parties.

TxDOT’s 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 to help end the streak of daily deaths. Nov. 7, 2000, was the last deathless day on Texas roadways.

For more information, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call (936) 404-7485.

The information contained in this report represents reportable data collected from the Texas Peace Officer’s Crash Report (CR-3). This information was received and processed by the department as of Nov. 16, 2023.