AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) – Timed with the official start of summer and the Fourth of July holiday weekend, TxDOT’s “Drive sober. No regrets” campaign is aligned with an increased law enforcement effort across the state to keep Texas roads safe. From now through July 13, officers will be on a heightened lookout for drunk drivers to reduce DUI crashes, injuries, and fatalities across the state.
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“It’s gotten a little bit nicer outside, and the July Fourth weekend is coming up,” Jason Britsch, TxDOT Amarillo public information officer, said. “We know it’s a time people want to go out and do things, they want to go enjoy the outdoors, and we want them to have a good time, but we also want them to do it responsibly. We are urging people to make smart choices whenever they go out and celebrate events like the Fourth of July weekend or any other activities while they are out and about. We want everyone to have a great time, but be smart about it. Be responsible. Because you’re not just putting yourself in danger. You’re putting others out there in danger as well.”
According to Britsch, there were 418 alcohol-related crashes last year in the Amarillo district alone.
“There were 21 fatalities and 66 serious injuries,” Britsch said. “Those 418 traffic crashes that happened could have been a lot worse had the circumstances changed. It’s an astronomical number because it’s choices that were made.”…