TxDOT Urges Drivers to Make a Sober Ride Part of Their Football Playoff and Big Game Plans

‘Plan While You Can’ impaired driving campaign aims to reverse trend
in alcohol-related crashes during football season


AUSTIN, Texas–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The Texas Department of Transportation’s statewide “Plan While You Can” campaign
is reminding football fans to make a sober ride part of their
game-watching plans for the upcoming playoffs and the big game. The
campaign runs through Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 7, 2016.

“As many Texans will be watching football playoffs leading up to the big
game, we strongly urge drivers to plan for a sober ride to attend watch
parties,” said Carol Rawson, TxDOT Traffic Operations Division Director.
“Crashes caused by drinking and driving are 100 percent preventable.
Before you drink, make a game plan to get home safely. It’s a decision
that could save a life.”

During the 2014 football season (Sept. 4, 2014 – Feb. 1, 2015), there
were 10,676 alcohol-related traffic crashes in Texas. Those crashes
resulted in 492 fatalities – an increase of 7 percent over the previous
year.

Central to the “Plan While You Can” football campaign is a multi-city
tour featuring an interactive
dodgeball
game that uses custom 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 “footballs.” The game demonstrates how even one drink can
slow reaction times. The tour visits Wingstop restaurants in Austin
(1/11), San Marcos (1/16), Corpus Christi (1/17), Houston (1/24) and San
Antonio (2/7).

Additionally, TxDOT is hosting an online contest on its Twitter
and Instagram
social media accounts for a chance to win one of five $100 gift cards
donated by Wingstop. Participants can enter the contest by creating a
tweet or post using the hashtag #PlanWhileYouCan. To learn more about
the contest, follow TxDOT on its social media accounts.

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 Nov. 30,
2015.

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.
“Like” us on Facebook
and follow us on Twitter.

Maintain a Safe System • Address Congestion • Best-in-Class State Agency
• Connect Texas Communities

An Equal Opportunity Employer

www.txdot.gov
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on Twitter

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Contacts

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

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