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Local law enforcement is joining the Texas Department of Transportation in urging holiday travelers to plan ahead and never drink and drive as part of its statewide Drive Sober, No Regrets campaign.
According to TxDOT, drunk driving crashes spike during the holiday season in Texas. Locally, the Elgin Police Department reported 14 driving while intoxicated arrests since Nov. 1, some connected to crashes, though none resulted in serious injuries.
Officers plan for increased patrols over the holidays to spot impaired drivers.
“Our traffic enforcement units will operate during peak intoxication times, and we will maintain a zero-tolerance policy for violations,” Elgin Police Commander Aaron Crim said. “We’ll also use social media to promote safe driving practices and urge the community to plan ahead by designating a sober driver or using rideshare services if drinking.”
Department officials said DUI risks aren’t limited to alcohol, prescription drugs and marijuana can also impair driving. Penalties for driving under the influence of anything can reach up to $17,000 in fines, in addition to possible jail time.
Bastrop County Jail records show 12 individuals were booked with charges including DWI over the first 10 days of December.
Sheriff Maurice Cook said his office will also participate in the effort.
“The public needs to be reminded to drink responsibly, not only during the holidays, but at all times,” he said. “Bastrop County is a 365-days-a-year no-refusal county, which means testing for intoxication is given to all suspected DWI drivers.”
During the 2024 holiday period, more than 2,000 alcohol-related crashes were reported in the state, according to TxDOT, resulting in 96 deaths and 201 serious injuries — the highest monthly total of the year.
“Drunk driving is a huge problem year-round in Texas, but it’s worse during the holiday season,” said Ruby Martinez, TxDOT traffic safety program manager.
TxDOT encourages drivers to choose sober alternatives if they plan to drink this holiday season — whether by designating a non-drinking driver, calling a friend or family member, using a rideshare, taking public transit or simply staying put until sober.
“Drunk driving crashes are 100% preventable,” Martinez said. “One person dies every eight hours and seven minutes because of an impaired driver. Helping to prevent a potential crash is worth any temporary awkwardness.”
The campaign reinforces TxDOT’s broader Drive Like a Texan: Kind. Courteous. Safe. initiative, which promotes responsible driving. Residents can learn more at Drive-LikeATexan.com.
