Txdot Teams up With Law Enforcement for a Safe Labor Day Weekend

The reckless act of drinking and driving can change your life forever, the thing that makes me scratch my head in wonder is that it only takes a few minutes to find a sober ride. With law enforcement ramping up its presence leading up to Labor Day, we Texas drivers can make a difference by choosing rideshare, public transit, Uber, or any other safe way to get home. By doing so, they not only protect their own lives but also the lives of others.

Last year, as many enjoyed an extra day off during the Labor Day weekend, 14 families were left mourning the loss of a loved one due to drunk driving accidents. With the holiday just around the corner, TxDOT is launching the “Drive Sober. No Regrets.” Labor Day campaign, a crucial reminder of the dangers of impaired driving. Partnering with local law enforcement, this initiative urges Texans to make the right decision—find a sober ride home or face serious consequences.

“Every drunk driving fatality is preventable, plain and simple,” said TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams. “If you plan to celebrate Labor Day by drinking, make sure you arrange a sober ride using a rideshare, taxi, public transit, or a designated driver.”

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TxDOT, alongside law enforcement agencies across Texas, is stepping up efforts to identify and arrest drunk drivers from August 16 through September 2. This aligns with the national enforcement period led by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

In 2023 alone, there were 334 DUI-related crashes over Labor Day weekend in the Lone Star State, resulting in 14 fatalities and 35 serious injuries. The “Drive Sober. No Regrets.” campaign is part of a broader effort called #EndTheStreakTX, which encourages safer driving choices to end the daily streak of fatalities on Texas roadways, a streak that has persisted since November 7, 2000.

By making smarter decisions, we Texans can protect our communities and, ultimately, end the tragic pattern of loss. Let's all have a safer Labor Day Weekend.