DALLAS — It is unsettling.
“In 2022, 25% of all traffic deaths in Texas during the holiday season involve drunk driving,” said Ruby Martinez, Texas Department of Transportation traffic safety program manager.
One of the most hard-hitting realities is that it could have been prevented.
“Don't get behind the wheel if you've consumed any amount of alcohol,” said Martinez.
All holiday season, they are making known their “Drive Sober. No Regrets” campaign.
“The campaign overlaps a heightened law enforcement period from Dec. 16 through Jan. 1, when more officers are on the road looking for and arresting drunk drivers,” said Martinez.
Last December, TxDOT said 108 people were killed by drivers under the influence across the state. There were 229 who were seriously injured.
Friday evening, on University Hills Boulevard in Southern Dallas, a man was killed and a woman was severely injured when a speeding driver under the influence hit the two as they were turning into a shopping center. That intoxicated driver was taken to the hospital in critical condition. According to Dallas Police Department, that driver will be charged with intoxication manslaughter and intoxication assault.
Just hours after that, another drunk driver got into a crash killing two people. It happened just before 4 a.m. near Loop 12 and Northwest Highway.
“If I could say one thing to anyone considering driving under the influence, please don't make that choice,” said Kendra Sellers.
Case, Sellers' son, was killed by a drunk driver near Lubbock in 2021.
“The man that killed my son had over 40 years of alcohol-related offenses, including multiple DUIs as he was driving on the wrong side of a four-lane divided highway and hit my son head on killing him instantly,” said Sellers. “Case was 22 years old when he was killed. He was robbed of a future. We were robbed of a future with him.”
TxDOT said there are other options drivers can consider to avoid driving under the influence such as rideshare services or calling a family member or friend.
“We all play a part in helping keep our roads safe,” said Martinez. “Drunk Driving crashes are 100% preventable.”