Don't drink and drive. It's just that simple. Not only could you find yourself in jail with staggering legal costs, you are risking the lives of yourself and other folks on the roads. This Labor Day weekend will be filled with summer cookouts, and in some cases, consuming alcohol. While there may be less traffic on the roads this Labor Day weekend, if you choose to go out and celebrate, you need to plan ahead for a sober ride before any drinking begins.

“We encourage people to enjoy the long weekend, but to do so responsibly,” said TxDOT Executive Director James Bass. “If you plan to drink alcohol and go out, make the plan for a sober ride. It’s an easy decision that can prevent senseless tragedies and save lives.”

During last year’s Labor Day holiday weekend in Texas, there were 382 crashes involving drivers under the influence of alcohol. Those crashes killed 12 people and seriously injured another 55. That is way too many people that were impacted by someone making bad choices.

In response, TxDOT has launched the “Plan While You Can” campaign to save lives and reduce preventable crashes by reminding drivers to make a plan for a sober ride if they are drinking alcohol. Along with the risk to life, drivers can face up to $17,000 in fines and fees, jail time and loss of their driver’s license.

If you plan on have drinks, think ahead. Plan a designated driver, call an Uber of Lyft, stay over for the night, or whatever it will take to stay off the road. Let's not see any more alcohol related accidents and tragedies this Labor Day weekend in Amarillo.

 

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