As many drivers hit the road for Labor Day this year, TxDOT and local law enforcement agencies are reminding Texans to “always make the right choice and get a sober ride home—or face the consequences,” according to a news release.
TxDOT also expects moderate to heavy traffic on all major interstates at the beginning of the long weekend.
The details
Texans who plan to drink this holiday weekend can keep themselves and others safe by designating a sober driver in advance, using a rideshare or taxi service, or catching public transportation, according to the release.
More law enforcement will be on the roads this weekend in an effort to identify and arrest impaired drivers.
“If you choose to get behind the wheel after drinking, there will be consequences,” said Ruby Martinez, TxDOT’s traffic safety program manager, in a video shared by the agency. “[A DUI] can cost you up to $17,000 in fines and fees, jail time, loss of a driver's license, community service, court appearances, difficulty finding or keeping a job, loss of trust from loved ones and a lifetime of regret.”
Last Labor Day weekend, state troopers arrested 193 people for driving under the influence and 222 people for other felony charges, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Also of note
According to TxDOT, Nov. 7, 2000, was the last day without any traffic fatalities in Texas.
“The problem persists beyond Labor Day weekend,” Martinez said. “On average, one person in Texas is killed every eight hours because of drunk driving. That means every day, Texans lose their life or a loved one to a senseless, preventable tragedy.”
Planning ahead
Traffic is expected on all Texas interstates this weekend. Below are TxDOT’s travel forecasts for several highways.
I-35
- Thursday, Aug. 29: heavy traffic from noon-3 p.m. and 4-8 p.m.
- Friday, Aug. 30: heavy traffic from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 3-7 p.m.
- Saturday, Aug. 31: moderate traffic from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. and 4-8 p.m.
- Sunday, Sept. 1: possible delays from noon-3 p.m. and 4-6 p.m.
- Monday, Sept. 2: possible delays from 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Thursday, Aug. 29: heavy traffic from 4-7 p.m.
- Friday, Aug. 30: heavy traffic from 2-4 p.m. and 5-8 p.m.
- Saturday, Aug. 31: moderate traffic from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 4-7 p.m.
- Thursday, Aug. 29: moderate traffic from 1-4 p.m. and 4-7 p.m.
- Friday, Aug. 30: heavy traffic from noon-11 p.m.
- Saturday, Aug. 31: possible congestion from 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
- Sunday, Sept. 1: possible congestion from noon-6 p.m.
- Monday, Sept. 2: possible congestion from noon-7 p.m.
- Thursday, Aug. 29: heavy traffic from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. and 4-8 p.m.
- Friday, Aug. 30: heavy traffic from 2-7 p.m.
- Saturday, Aug. 31: possible delays from 2-8 p.m.
- Thursday, Aug. 29: moderate traffic from 1-2 p.m. and 4-7 p.m.
- Friday, Aug. 30: moderate traffic from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. and 4-7 p.m.
- Saturday, Aug. 31: possible delays from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Sunday, Sept. 1: possible delays from 1-5 p.m.
- Monday, Sept. 2: possible delays from 3-5 p.m.
- Thursday, Aug. 29: heavy traffic from 6-11 a.m. and 3-7 p.m.
- Friday, Aug. 30: heavy traffic from 3-8 p.m.
- Saturday, Aug. 31: moderate traffic from 2-8 p.m.
- Sunday, Sept. 1: moderate traffic from noon-3 p.m. and 4-8 p.m.
- Monday, Sept. 2: possible delays from noon-5 p.m.
