Keep holiday parties festive, always find a sober ride

(Special to The Dallas Examiner) – AUSTIN – Thousands of Texas families are devastated by drunk driving crashes every year, and the problem gets worse during the holidays. In fact, one in four traffic deaths across the state are caused by drunk drivers, and that ratio increases to 28% during the holiday period.When asked in a Texas Department of Transportation survey, the majority of participants who admitted to driving after drinking said they’ve most often done so after being at a friend’s house.Related Stories That’s why over the next few weeks, TxDOT is reaching people as they’re buying beverages for holiday get-togethers. TxDOT will bring its mobile interactive exhibit to Walmart stores to engage and remind shoppers about the deadly dangers of drinking and driving.“It’s not okay to drink and drive,” said TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams. “It’s not okay for a friend or family member to go through the death of a loved one at the hands of people who are drinking and driving. It’s always possible to find a safe and sober ride home, so make it a priority any time you drink.”Just ask the friends and family of the 126 people killed and 272 people seriously injured...