(KCEN) -- Law enforcement agencies across Texas will step up enforcement to
stop drinking and driving during the Labor Day holiday period.
Texas is
part of the Labor Day nationwide impaired driving crackdown which was coordinated
and funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Convicted
drunk drivers could spend up to $17,000 for bail, fines, legal fees,
court appearances, court-ordered classes, insurance increases and other
expenses.
More alcohol related crashes occur between 2:00 AM and 2:59 AM than during any other hour of the day, and more crashes happen on Saturday
than on any other day of the week.
So, drivers are urged to realize that
no one is immune to the effects of alcohol, and to always seek a sober
ride home.
"Labor Day is the traditional end of summer
celebration. In Texas, 34% of all alcohol related fatal crashes
happen during the summer," said Carol T. Rawson, TxDOT's Traffic
Operations Division Director.
"Three-hundred-sixty-six people died
during the months of May through August last year in alcohol-related
crashes. That's nothing to celebrate, and law enforcement will be out in
force as part of the Drink. Drive. Go to Jail. stepped-up enforcement
effort and public awareness campaign."
The Texas Department of Transportation's Drink. Drive. Go to Jail. campaign began August 17 and runs through September 3, 2012.
For the first time, TxDOT is asking people to pledge to choose a safe
ride home by texting SAVE to 77000.
Texans who make the pledge are
entered to win a Honda Ruckus scooter and helmet. The deadline to enter
is 11:59 PM on September 2, 2012.
Bars and restaurants in major
markets are also participating in the campaign by allowing TxDOT to
install Drink. Drive. Go to Jail. bathroom mirror clings that look like
mug shot backgrounds.
