TxDOT Urges Spring Breakers to Plan for a Sober Ride

‘Plan While You Can’ campaign aims to reduce crashes, save lives
during Spring Break

AUSTIN, Texas–(BUSINESS WIRE)–During Spring Break 2015, there were 459 crashes in Texas involving
young drivers (17-34 years of age) under the influence of alcohol. Those
crashes led to 43 serious injuries and 16 fatalities.

The Texas Department of Transportation is hoping to reduce these numbers
through “Plan While You Can,” a campaign that runs March 1-19 to
coincide with Spring Break and an increase in DUI patrols and
enforcement in Texas.

“Besides being a potentially deadly choice, the cost of a DUI is
far-reaching with long-term consequences that can negatively impact a
young person’s future,” said TxDOT Traffic Operations Division Director
Carol Rawson. “Many of these young people are under 21 and it is against
the law for them to drink alcohol. A young life cut short is a
heartbreaking tragedy so we urge every driver to obey the law and make
responsible choices.”

The “Plan While You Can” campaign is a multi-city tour featuring an interactive
dodgeball game that uses gaming technology to replicate the effects
of alcohol on a person’s reflexes. As participants play, virtual drinks
are added and the players’ on-screen avatars become less able to dodge
incoming “beach balls.” The game demonstrates how even one drink can
slow reaction times.

The “Plan While You Can” tour will stop at The University of Texas at El
Paso (3/1); The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (3/8); Texas Tech
in Lubbock (3/10); Buc-ee’s in New Braunfels (3/12); South by Southwest
in Austin (3/17); and South Padre Island (3/19).

Drivers under the influence of alcohol can face up to $17,000 in fines,
legal fees, impoundment and other costs. As always, TxDOT strongly
encourages everyone to plan for a sober ride before going out. Visit
SoberRides.org to find alternatives to drinking and driving, such as:

• Calling a taxi or using a transportation app on your smartphone.
• Using mass transit.
• Asking a sober friend or family member for a ride home.
• Spending the night.

For more information, contact TxDOT Media Relations at MediaRelations@txdot.gov
or (512) 463-8700.

The information contained in this report represents reportable data
collected from the Texas Peace Officer’s Crash Report (CR-3). This
information was received and processed by the department as of Feb. 19,
2016.

The Texas Department of Transportation is responsible for maintaining
80,000 miles of road and for supporting aviation, rail, and public
transportation across the state. TxDOT and its 12,000 employees are
committed to working with others to provide safe and reliable
transportation solutions for Texas by maintaining a safe system,
addressing congestion, connecting Texas communities, and being a Best in
Class state agency. Find out more at txdot.gov.
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Contacts

TxDOT
David Glessner, 512-463-8700
MediaRelations@txdot.gov