Texas law enforcement and TxDOT team up to prevent drunk driving

AUSTIN, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – The Texas Department of Transportation will be increasing traffic enforcement to crack down on DWI arrests over the Labor Day holiday.

TxDOT will be working statewide with law enforcement to identify and arrest drunk drivers from Aug. 16 through Sept. 2.

Executive Director Mark Williams said, “every drunk driving fatality is preventable, plain and simple.” He also added, “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.”

Last year, the State of Texas recorded 334 DUI or alcohol-related traffic crashes with 14 fatalities and 35 serious injuries.

TxDOT is launching the “Drive Sober. No Regrets.” Labor Day campaign to remind motorists of the dangers of drunk driving. This coincides with the national heightened enforcement period sponsored by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

TxDOT claims that Nov. 7, 2000 was the last deathless day on Texas roadways.

According to TxDOT, in 2023, Abilene recorded a total of 96 crashes related to DUI, and one was fatal.

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