EL PASO, Texas – (KFOX14/CBS4) — The holiday season is one of the deadliest times on El Paso roadways, according to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT).

With 470 DWI-related crashes reported in El Paso in 2024 alone, TxDOT is intensifying efforts to encourage drivers to reconsider getting behind the wheel after drinking.

TxDOT hosted an interactive event to highlight the devastating impact of drunk driving.

The event, part of a statewide initiative, featured the “Not-So-Fun House,” which will appear at Walmart stores across Texas this season.

Visitors participate in hands-on activities while wearing goggles that simulate impaired vision.

Stephanie Carbajal-Atilano, a traffic safety specialist for the El Paso District, says avoiding these scenarios is important.

“Drunk driving is 100% preventable. There’s no reason that you should be getting behind the wheel if you have had a drink. You can always find a sober ride from a family friend. You can get an Uber,” she explained.

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Griselda, an El Paso resident, shared her personal connection to the issue: “Everybody likes to have fun and have a drink here and there. But just having a plan to make sure that everybody gets home safe. Unfortunately, a lot of these accidents happen and the person at fault always survives. And it’s a family that’s left to grieve somebody, you know, who was not at fault and who’s doing the right thing.”

During the 2024 holiday season, from mid-November through New Year’s, more than 2,000 Texas families were affected by DWI crashes.

In El Paso, there were over 400 DWI-related crashes, resulting in 22 deaths and 31 serious injuries.

During the holidays alone, there were more than 50 crashes, with one death and five serious injuries.

Carbajal-Atilano emphasized the importance of intervention: “There was a survey that was conducted recently where people who have admitted drinking and driving said that they did so usually after going to a friend or family party. So it’s very important for anybody who sees somebody that’s drinking to offer. Even though it might be an awkward conversation.”

For Griselda, the message is a poignant reminder of the stakes, especially during the holidays.

“I did lose my best friend at 14 years of age to a drunk driver. So, you know, every year that I have a birthday, I realize that, you know, he’s right here. So, And that was at the hands of a drunk driver. So that is definitely, something close to my heart.”

TxDOT’s “Drive Sober. No Regrets.” campaign will continue through the New Year, with 2025 statistics expected early next year.

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