Twenty-three percent increase in Spring Break fatalities heightens importance of critical message 

AUSTIN — As Spring Break gets underway, the Texas Department of Transportation today launched its month-long DWI Hangovers Don’t Go Away campaign at a press conference on South Padre Island. Aimed at curbing drunk driving and fatalities among young adults and college students, the event was held at the Schlitterbahn Beach Waterpark and Resort. A campaign street team then rode Segways up and down South Padre Island to hand out educational materials and interact with spring breakers. 

“Spring Break is a fun time for our college-age young adults in Texas,” said John Barton, TxDOT deputy executive director. “Unfortunately, the fun can turn into tragedy when drunk driving is involved. Our campaign highlights the dangers of drinking and driving, and stresses the importance of safe practices like designating a sober driver, which saves lives in the process.” 

In 2013, there were 25,158 DUI-alcohol crashes in Texas that resulted in 8,702 serious injuries and 1,022 deaths. Of those crashes, more than 57 percent involved drivers between the ages of 17-34. During Spring Break 2013, Texas saw more than a 23-percent increase from 2012 in DUI-alcohol deaths.   

The DWI Hangovers Don’t Go Away campaign runs through March 30 and will incorporate TV, radio, social media and other outreach components, including bus ads, ice box wraps, educational push-cards and airport signage.  

The Segway campaign team will continue to raise awareness about the dangers of drinking and driving at the following community events:

·     Austin: South by Southwest, March 12

·     Dallas: St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Greenville Ave., March 15