Every December, families across Texas are devastated because someone made the choice to drive drunk. This year, TxDOT is hoping to change that with its "Drive Sober. No Regrets" campaign, a reminder that every holiday party, every office gathering, and every late-night celebration should end with everyone getting home safe.
If you're in San Antonio and you've been in a car accident with a drunk driver, no campaign can undo the damage. Understanding the risks, resources, and your legal rights can help you take the next step toward justice and recovery. Here's what you need to know.
Why is December so dangerous on Texas roads?
December isn't just the most wonderful time of the year. It's also the deadliest month for drunk driving crashes in Texas. During the 2024 holiday season alone, more than 2,000 impaired-driving crashes left nearly 100 people dead and over 200 seriously injured. That's hundreds of families who didn't get to celebrate New Year's together.
The reasons are predictable:
- Office holiday parties mean more people drinking during the week.
- Family gatherings stretch late into the night. Travel brings unfamiliar roads and tired drivers.
- With so many celebrations packed into a few short weeks, the odds of someone making a bad decision behind the wheel go up dramatically.
What makes these crashes so frustrating is that every single one of them is preventable. No one has to drive drunk. It's a choice, and it's a choice that often leaves innocent people paying the price.
What's TxDOT doing about it?
TxDOT's "Drive Sober. No Regrets" campaign is part of the agency's broader "Drive like a Texan: Kind. Courteous. Safe." initiative. The message is to simply plan ahead so no one has to get behind the wheel impaired.
The campaign includes interactive exhibits at Walmart locations in areas with high drunk driving fatality rates. These exhibits use mobile displays that simulate the effects of impairment, helping people understand just how dangerous it is to drive after drinking. Beyond that, TxDOT is running PSAs across TV, radio, billboards, online platforms, and even in bars, restaurants, and convenience stores across the state.
There's also a heightened enforcement period running from December 12 through January 1. That means more officers on patrol, more DWI checkpoints, and more eyes watching for signs of impairment. The goal isn't just to catch drunk drivers; it's to stop crashes before they happen.
What can you do to stay safe this holiday season?
The best way to avoid becoming a statistic is to plan ahead. Here are a few simple steps that can save lives:
- Pick a designated driver before you go out, and make sure they stick to it.
- Use a rideshare app like Uber or Lyft if you've been drinking.
- Stay where you are until you're sober enough to drive safely.
- Consider walking if you're within walking distance.
If you're hosting a party, take responsibility for your guests. Offer non-alcoholic drinks, stop serving alcohol well before the party ends, and make sure everyone has a safe way home. If you see a friend about to make a bad decision, speak up. It might feel awkward, but it's a lot less awkward than attending a funeral.
If you're a sober driver, be watchful of impaired drivers on the road, especially at night. If you see someone driving erratically, keep your distance and contact law enforcement. This action could potentially save your life and the lives of others.
What happens when a drunk driver hurts someone in a crash?
Prevention is the goal, but the reality is that drunk drivers still get behind the wheel. When they do, the consequences can be catastrophic. Victims often face serious injuries, months of medical treatment, lost wages, and trauma that lasts long after the physical wounds heal. Drunk driving accidents can also be fatal. In 2024, approximately 1,053 people lost their lives on Texas roads because of alcohol impairment.
Those who survive often end up with broken bones, head injuries, back and spine injuries, internal injuries, and other debilitating conditions that require medical treatment. Compensation for crash victims typically includes:
- Medical expenses, both current and future
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering, including emotional trauma
- In fatal cases, wrongful death damages for surviving family members
If you were injured in a crash involving someone who was under the influence of alcohol, you may be able to seek damages from the at-fault driver's insurance provider. However, under Texas Dram Shop laws, bars, restaurants, and other alcohol-serving establishments can also be held liable if they serve alcohol to someone who is visibly intoxicated or under 21, and that person later causes an accident or injury. That's why it's so important to get legal advice as soon as possible so you can have a clear understanding of your potential options.
Injured by a drunk driver? Our San Antonio attorneys can help you demand justice!
The personal injury lawyers at The Herrera Law Firm in San Antonio wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season. If you or a loved one is injured in a crash involving an impaired driver, we're here to help you fight for justice and fair compensation. We represent people who have been hurt by drunk drivers in San Antonio and across Texas, and we know how to investigate these cases and fight for maximum compensation.
Our team gathers police reports, blood-alcohol content evidence, witness statements, and other evidence proving the other driver was impaired and at fault. We negotiate aggressively with insurance companies, and we're not afraid to take a case to trial if that's what it takes to get you a fair settlement.
When you're up against a drunk driver's insurance company that cares more about saving money than compensating you, you need someone in your corner who knows how to push back. During a free consultation, we'll review your case, explain your options, and help you take the next steps toward recovery and justice.
To get started, contact us online or call to book a free consultation. If you decide to work with us, there is no upfront cost, and you pay nothing unless we win your case.
