UTSAPD and TxDOT Present "Drive Sober. No Regrets."
The University of Texas at San Antonio Police Department (UTSAPD) is partnering with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) for the annual " Drive Sober. No Regrets." event, which will be held Monday, March 4, 10 a.m.–3 p.m., in the Student Union Paseo. TxDOT has partnered with UTSA over the last four years to create awareness about college and young adult impaired driving as part of their overall traffic safety campaign to keep drivers safe on Texas roads and highways.
"Drive Sober. No Regrets." shares personal accounts from real offenders and survivors that challenge any notion students may have that they can avoid the consequences of drinking and driving. It emphasizes the importance of always finding a sober ride and the many options available to them. In addition to making students aware of the consequences of drunk driving, the event also features an interactive drunk driving simulator, which allows them to try on drunk goggles and get "behind the wheel" for a two-minute drive experience.
"Educating students through partnerships like this one with TxDOT is now a major initiative at UTSA and other universities across the state to ensure their academic, physical and mental wellbeing," said UTSAPD Chief Stephanie Schoenborn. "Our goal remains supporting student success and safety by providing them with several resources on and off campus.
“Events like 'Drive Sober. No Regrets.' and UTSA Wellbeing Services, such as free counseling , anonymous screenings and recovery support groups, are just a few examples of those resources."
While UTSA students may use spring break as an opportunity to have fun and recharge, a well-deserved break can end in tragedy if alcohol and driving are combined. TxDOT has noted that spring break in general is considered a dangerous week on the roads. In 2022, 810 DUI-alcohol-related traffic crashes were recorded during the spring break period, killing 44 people and injuring 90 others.
Planning ahead and using sober-ride resources increase the chances of a safe spring break. Visit Sober Rides for tips on finding a sober ride home.
For more information and resources regarding alcohol awareness, visit UTSA’s Public Safety Website .
— Julia Spanos
