EL PASO, Texas – (KFOX14\/CBS4) \u2014 The holiday season is one of the deadliest times on El Paso roadways, according to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). <\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
TxDOT hosted an interactive event to highlight the devastating impact of drunk driving. <\/p>\n
The event, part of a statewide initiative, featured the “Not-So-Fun House,” which will appear at Walmart stores across Texas this season.<\/p>\n
Visitors participate in hands-on activities while wearing goggles that simulate impaired vision.<\/p>\n
Stephanie Carbajal-Atilano, a traffic safety specialist for the El Paso District, says avoiding these scenarios is important.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
RECOMMENDED: Car crash on I-10 near Lordsburg leaves one dead after crashing into oncoming traffic<\/a><\/p>\n 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.”<\/p>\n During the 2024 holiday season, from mid-November through New Year\u2019s, more than 2,000 Texas families were affected by DWI crashes. <\/p>\n In El Paso, there were over 400 DWI-related crashes, resulting in 22 deaths and 31 serious injuries. <\/p>\n During the holidays alone, there were more than 50 crashes, with one death and five serious injuries.<\/p>\n 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.”<\/p>\n For Griselda, the message is a poignant reminder of the stakes, especially during the holidays. <\/p>\n “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.”<\/p>\n TxDOT’s “Drive Sober. No Regrets.” campaign will continue through the New Year, with 2025 statistics expected early next year.<\/p>\n RECOMMENDED: Thorn bypass opens as part of I-10 widening in Northwest El Paso<\/a><\/p>\n