MCSO to increase patrols through Spring Break

As part of the Texas Department of Transportation’s Drive Sober, No Regrets campaign for spring break, Milam County Sheriff’s Office and law enforcement officers across Texas will increase DWI patrols to identify and stop impaired drivers. 

The campaign aims to decrease crashes and save lives by reminding drivers how one bad choice - the decision to get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol - can have serious physical, emotional and financial consequences that can last for years. Not only can a DWI hurt or kill someone, it can be expensive and cause significant legal hassles. It can also make it difficult to find or keep a job and can bring a lifetime of regret. The increased enforcement begins March 4 and runs through March 20.

“We are urging college students - and everyone - to drive sober,” Milam County Sheriff Mike Clore said. “Spring break activities are a rite of passage for college students around the country, and Texas students are no exception. Don’t do something you’ll regret - the decision to get behind the wheel while drunk could turn a day at the beach into jail time, loss of driver’s license, up to $17,000 in fines and fees or - worst of all - a deadly crash.”

One person in Texas dies every eight hours and 57 minutes in a DUI-alcohol related traffic crash. Last year, 977 people in Texas were killed and 2,497 seriously injured because someone chose to get behind the wheel while impaired. Over last year’s spring break, Texas saw 872 DUI-alcohol related traffic crashes. These crashes resulted in 30 fatalities and 107 serious injuries. 

Drinking and driving is 100 percent preventable. There are many sober ride options available to ensure you don’t drive impaired. Designate a sober driver who doesn’t drink any amount of alcohol, call a taxi, use a rideshare service, call a friend or family member, stay put or use mass transit. 

Drive Sober, No Regrets is a key component of #EndTheStreakTX, a broader social media and word-of-mouth effort that encourages drivers to make safer choices while behind the wheel, like wearing a seat belt, driving the speed limit, never texting and driving and never driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. November 7, 2000 was the last deathless day on Texas roadways. #EndTheStreakTX asks all Texans to commit to driving safely to help end the streak of daily deaths on Texas roadways.

For more information, contact Milam County Sheriff’s Office at (254) 697-7033.