by: Landon Biehl
Now with another memorable Memorial Day in the books, we can start our official countdown to summer. Since summertime weather always arrives in Texas a little earlier and lasts a little longer than other parts of the country, there’s more reason to celebrate, to travel, and spend time with friends and family. Whether you’re attending a graduation party, a backyard BBQ, an outdoor wedding, or a Fourth of July celebration, there are plenty of reasons to relax, and many will people raise a glass or two to toast a summer of good times. We live in a society that encourages and sometimes even pressures people to have fun with beer, a glass of wine, or even a shot glass in hand, but we also send a lot of mixed messages about drunk driving. Even though it’s unlawful to drive while under the influence of alcohol, many of us are able to separate ourselves from the drunk driving epidemic unless we are personally affected by a tragic accident. Texas is full of vineyards, distilleries, and craft brewing companies that rely on Texas natives and tourists to support the economy. There’s nothing wrong with supporting local businesses, but there are ways to support your local economy this summer and stay safe on the roads this summer. Need some pointers or reminders to stay safe and responsible? Even if our tips seem like “no brainers” many people forget how to be responsible after having a couple of drinks: Whether you live in an urban area or small community, drunk driving can affect everyone. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, there were a total of 51 alcohol-related accidents in Texas City in 2016. Of those accidents, there were 3 fatalities and dozens of injuries. While hundreds of people walk away from accidents, every year, involving a drunk driver, there are hundreds more who lost their lives in an accident because one driver decided to get behind the wheel when they should have handed over their keys to someone else. Even though ridesharing, like Uber and Lyft, is more popular in larger cities throughout Texas, you may find one when you’re traveling. Hailing a ride has never been easier when you download the app to your phone and request a ride. All you need to do is wait patiently and leave the rest of the work up to the responsible (and sober) driver. Heading to a music festival, a birthday party, or a bar? Designate a driver before you leave the house. If you’re hanging out with a group of friends, maybe you can all take turns being a designated driver (DD). While a DD doesn’t get to taste the latest flight of craft beer, they usually get a free soda (with unlimited refills) or a fancy “mocktail” at no extra charge. If you catch your DD indulging in alcohol, don’t take the risk of riding with them, find another way to get home. Did you put in a new patio and want to show it off to your friends? A summer get-together is a great opportunity to save money by not going to the bar and to catch up with friends. If you decide to host a soirée, you can either offer to pay for taxi fare or make up the spare bed in the guest room for partygoers who don’t have a safe (or responsible) way to get home. Whether you’re a resident of Texas City or are visiting Texas from another part of the country, celebrate the summer responsibly and stay safe when traveling the roads this summer.
