El Paso, we have to do better when it comes to drinking and driving because the numbers just came out and it’s pretty shocking. And with the Super Bowl and Valentine’s Day right around the corner, being aware of the issue is a must!
El Paso leaders gathered Tuesday afternoon to talk about one issue that continues to hit close to home: impaired driving. Mayor Renard U. Johnson, El Paso Police Chief Peter Pacillas, and District Attorney James Montoya all shared updates on what’s being done and what still needs to change to keep local roads safer.
Mayor Johnson pointed to a 6% increase in DWI arrests from 2023 to 2025, with more than 5,000 drivers arrested during that time.
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During the press conference, Mayor Johnson mentioned that while the numbers are concerning, enforcement isn’t the end goal.
“Drunk driving is dangerous, it’s illegal, and it’s completely preventable,” Johnson said. “This isn’t just about arrests—it’s about preventing crashes, reducing injuries, and saving lives.”
Chief Pacillas echoed that urgency, calling impaired driving an ongoing crisis. EPPD has launched a “zero tolerance” traffic enforcement approach, issuing 1,400 citations and nearly 800 hazardous citations in just the first two weeks of 2026.
District Attorney James Montoya highlighted accountability on the prosecution side, while also reminding the public that prevention matters just as much. Last year Montoya’s office rolled out the “Pick Your Ride” campaign, a grant-funded rideshare program aimed at stopping people from driving drunk before it happens.
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Funded by a nearly $50,000 TXDOT grant, the program provided $20 Uber vouchers on weekends. The goal was 2,445 rides, but the community showed up, and more than 3,445 safe rides were provided before the grant even expired.
“The push to keep our streets safe doesn’t end,” Montoya said. “Drinking and driving is a choice, and there are other options.”
The message from leaders was clear: safer streets start with smart choices and El Paso has the tools to make them.
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