AUSTIN-The Texas Department of Transportation and Santa Claus have some advice for Texas motorists: drive sober this holiday season and avoid a stiff fine, losing your driver’s license, jail time, and a lump of coal in your stocking.
Santa and his reindeer are teaming up with TXDOT and several other partners to encourage holiday revelers to designate a driver if their holiday celebrations involve alcohol.
From now through January 4, TxDOT is offering designated drivers a special gift this holiday season: free drink cards redeemable for a free soda or coffee at participating Diamond Shamrock and Valero Corner Stores.
The offer is being made thanks to Valero Corner Stores through a network of Texas employers. More than 5,000 employers across the state are invited to order a Safe Office Party Toolkit from TxDOT, including the free drink cards, break room posters, and other resources that promote sober driving.
“Even a little holiday cheer can impair your driving. That’s why TxDOT is urging you to designate a sober driver if you’re going to be celebrating or simply celebrate without alcohol if you’re going to be driving,” said Carlos Lopez, TxDOT’s traffic operations director. “Just a little bit of planning can prevent traffic crashers and ensure a safe and happy new year for everyone.”
This marks the eleventh year of TxDOT’s holiday public education campaign, which uses whimsical holiday characters to deliver a responsible driving message. This year, the campaign also expands to cyberspace. Consumers can find out more about Santa and his reindeer friends and download holiday-themed desktop backgrounds and a special ringtone at www.myspace.com/SantaInTexas.
Santa’s other helpers in the DWI-prevention campaign include the Texas Restaurant Association, Texas Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Store Association, Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission and Texas Municipal Police Association.
Though the percentage of alcohol-related fatalities in the state has decreased over the past few years, Texas continues to lead the nation when it comes to alcohol-related traffic fatalities.
Penalties for a first-time DWI offense include driver’s license suspension for up to one year, a fine of up to $2000, and up to six months in jail.
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