You Better Watch Out, I’m Telling You Why:
Cops are Cracking Down on Drunk Driving
The holiday season is right around the corner. As Americans prepare for festivities with family and friends, the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Watch UR BAC program wants to remind all drivers that it’s dangerous to drive after drinking. You have to choose your role before drinking begins: will you drink or will you drive? Remember, even if you only have a little bit to drink and think you’re “okay to drive,” you could still be over the legal limit.
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service agent Lexie McGrane reminds drivers that the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign runs from now until January 1, 2015.
Due to the increase in drunk-driving related fatalities around the holidays each year, law enforcement agencies will be out in force. According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), Texas DWI fatalities during the holiday season December 1-31, 2013, resulted in 86 fatalities. But not everyone dies in a crash. Many live with lifelong, debilitating injuries as a result of their own drunk driving or that of a complete stranger.
The consequences and costs are significant if you are caught driving while intoxicated, costing you $17,000 or more, the loss of your driver license, higher insurance rates, and dozens of other unanticipated expenses.
Even a little holiday cheer can impair a person’s driving. Plan ahead if you are going to drink alcohol. The message is out there, but it only works if you join our efforts this holiday season by pledging to give or be the gift of a sober driver. Find out how to pledge at soberrides.org. Other tips include:
Designate a non-drinking driver before festivities begin. Even one drink can impair your judgment.
If you have been drinking, do not drive. Phone a sober friend or family member, call a cab [INSERT IF THERE ARE CABS IN YOUR CITY], or spend the night where you are.
Step up and step in – don’t let friends drive if they’ve been drinking. Give someone a gift by being their sober, designated driver.
For information on free alcohol awareness programs available through the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Watch UR BAC program in College Station, go to www.watchurbac.tamu.edu or call 979-862-1911.
Educational programs of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service are open to all people without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating