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), Dallas-Fort Worth (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.
- Pictured above, BSCO Captain Stroope (right), Investigator Nathan Land, and Deputy Shade Tidwell display a banner promoting the “Plan While You Can” campaign.