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.

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TxDOT Plan While You Can Interactive Vehicle. Visit SoberRides.org (Photo: Business Wire)

TxDOT Plan While You Can Interactive Vehicle. Visit SoberRides.org (Photo: Business Wire)

“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

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