DALLAS (1080 KRLD)- As Thanksgiving approaches, Dallas County, cities and MADD are urging people to plan ahead for holiday parties. Dallas County has run its DWI Task Force the past 40 years.
"The message is not only about education and awareness but also we cannot stay silent," says Dallas County Commissioner Elba Garcia, who chairs the task force.
Garcia says alcohol was a factor in 2,113 crashes in Dallas County last year. The county ranks second, behind Harris, in the number of deaths attributed to DWI.
"It's a choice. Drinking is a choice, and if you're going to drink, don't drive," she says.
The organization, 24HourDallas, says 39 businesses have signed up to post a QR code offering a five dollar discount on Lyft rides. The group's Bryan Tony says businesses open after 6 p.m. have a $15 billion economic impact and support 211,000 jobs.
Tony says the group has worked with more than 100 businesses to improve safety; those businesses will display a copper star.
Across Texas, TxDOT says alcohol contributes to a crash every 20 minutes. MADD is launching its "What Alcohol Says" campaign to urge people to decide before going to a party if someone will stay sober as the designated driver, or if they will use rideshare.
"Take charge of your holiday safety by planning ahead for transportation during the holidays," says MADD's Emma Dugas.
Rosaria Saenz' daughter was killed by a drunk driver.
"Her dad will never walk her down the aisle or help her fix her future house like they would talk about," she says. "All these future memories were robbed from us."
The task force's Garcia says "What Alcohol Says" aims to show people they have access to alternatives besides driving. She says they also want to show that police will have additional manpower for enforcement.
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