PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT – FIGHT AGAINST DRUNK DRIVING

EL PASO, TEXAS – The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office and the Peter J. Herrera Patrol Station wants to wish everyone happy holiday season, with that in mind we also want to remind everyone to be safe.

During Thanksgiving, Christmas and going into the New Year, our patrols will be increased to address drunk drivers in an attempt to keep the roads safe and ensure everyone makes it to their intended destination. Drunk driving carries a heavy toll in our communities and we want to urge everyone to not get behind the wheel after drinking any amount of alcohol. Remember, you can be arrested for drunk driving for being under the influence of medications or illicit substances, it’s not just alcohol.

Drunk driving is never necessary, alternatives are easier than ever to obtain such as a taxi or rideshare service, designating a sober driver, calling a friend or family member or simply staying put until you can safely operate a motor vehicle. Keep in mind, taxi or rideshare has a cost, but it will save you a fortune as it is much cheaper than paying fines, court costs, loss of property costs and may make it difficult of finding or keeping a job.

According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 48% of traffic deaths in El Paso County in 2020 involved an impaired driver, which marked it as the highest percentage among large counties in the entire State.

Additionally, Texas Department of Transportation estimates a total of 699 crashes resulting in 27 fatalities occurred in El Paso in 2023 which alcohol was reported to be a contributing factor.

This is just a friendly reminder, we want everyone to enjoy their holidays and keep our roads safe for all of our community members so everyone can get to their destinations in one piece. We will be increasing our patrols this holiday season, don’t take the unnecessary risk.