The National Highway Traffic Safety Administra - tion (NHTSA), Texas A&M AgriLife Extension's Watch UR BAC program, and local partners are reminding Texans that Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving.
Alcohol-impaired driving is a serious problem on Tex -
as roadways. In 2023, nearly 1,700 people were killed in al - cohol-impaired driving crashes in Texas."The holidays should be a time of joy, not loss," said Sally Garrett, County Exten - sion Agent-Family & Commu -
nity Health. "Even one drink can affect judgment and reac - tion time. National data shows the risk increases during Decem - ber. From the combined De -
cembers of 20192023, 4,931 people were killed in alco - hol-impaired driving crashes, with 1,038 fatalities occurring in December 2023 alone. Latenight and early-morning hours are especially dangerous, with nearly half of drivers involved in fatal crashes between mid - night and 2:59 a.m. being al - cohol-impaired. Drivers ages 2134 account for the highest percentage of impaired drivers involved in fatal crashes.
Drivers are urged to plan ahead if alcohol will be part of their holiday celebrations. Arrange a sober ride before the festivities begin by designating a sober driver, using a ride - share service or taxi, or staying overnight. "If you feel buzzed, you are not safe to drive," said Ravonne McCray, Program Manager with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension's Watch UR BAC program. "Planning ahead for a sober ride is one of the simplest ways to prevent a tragedy this holiday season." This holiday season, Tex - ans can help save lives by re - membering one simple mes -
sage: Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving.
