State Transportation Investments Continue to Save Texas Commuters Millions
December 7, 2025 – Traffic delays in Texas cities lower than other states
PARIS – As Texas continues to experience rapid population and economic growth and more vehicles on the road, targeted congestion-relief transportation investments are helping drivers spend less time stuck in traffic and saving Texans millions of dollars each year.
Less congestion thanks to TxDOT projects
The 2025 Texas Top 100 Congested Road Segments Report highlights Texas’ strong economic and population growth. The report compares 2024 conditions with 2017, which represent recent peak congestion periods in Texas. Compared with 2017, statewide delays in 2024 are down 12% even as statewide travel grew 12%.
These improvements saved Texas commuters an estimated total of $1.8 billion in 2024 in terms of delay and fuel costs compared to eight years ago, which translates to $240 annual cost savings per commuter.
“With more people driving on Texas roads, you might expect traffic-related problems to increase, but thanks to our projects throughout the state, delays are actually going down,” TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams said. “It’s a testament to the incredible work our crews and engineers do every day and shows that the investments in transportation are working.”
“Could you imagine how tough our traffic challenges would be if TxDOT had not focused on targeted congestion relief projects over the last several years?” Texas Transportation Commissioner Robert C. Vaughn said. “Texas is leading the nation in active construction projects, which are helping people get to work faster and spend more time with their families.”
Texas Clear Lanes
The Texas Clear Lanes program, the congestion-relief initiative launched by Gov. Greg Abbott in 2015, continues to target congestion in the state’s largest metro areas. TxDOT district-led projects in smaller cities are also delivering faster improvements as work wraps up.
About half of the Top 100 road segments were under construction in 2024, including several projects from Texas Clear Lanes.
“Even with more people and more cars on the road, Texans are still doing better than they were five or 10 years ago,” said David Schrank, Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI) senior research scientist. “That’s a direct reflection of the congestion-fighting strategies that have been put in place, especially Texas Clear Lanes and other mobility-enhancing projects across the state.”
Leading the nation
The recently released national 2025 Urban Mobility Report reinforces the progress being made to alleviate congestion throughout the state of Texas. The report found that, compared with similarly sized metropolitan areas across the nation, delay per mile of travel in Dallas–Fort Worth and Houston was about 39% lower than in similarly sized cities, while San Antonio and Austin experienced about 16% less delay.
Roadway highlights
- Dallas: Stemmons Freeway has a 15% reduction in delay; I-30/US 67 corridor experienced a 34% reduction in delay following completion of the I-30 East project (adjacent segment where construction was completed)
- Bryan–College Station: Delays along FM-2818 have decreased 18%
- Laredo: Congestion on a segment of Mines Road near the World Trade Bridge is down 45% due to operational improvements
- Fort Worth: I-820 corridor delays have improved by more than 50%
Together, these efforts show how TxDOT projects and operational improvements are helping Texans spend less time in traffic and travel more safely and efficiently.
Houston’s West Loop (I-610) remains the state’s most congested road, followed by Houston’s Eastex Freeway (I-69/U.S. 59), Dallas’ Woodall Rodgers Freeway, Houston’s Southwest Freeway (I-69/U.S. 59) and Houston’s North Loop (I-610). Ninety-six of the Top 100 segments are in the four largest metro areas. A comprehensive listing of road segments statewide, with year-to-year comparisons, is available online.
Changes in traffic demand and delays
The table below highlights changes in traffic demand and delays across key regions comparing 2017 to 2024, illustrating the impact of these improvements on traffic flow and commuter costs.
| Area | Vehicle-Miles of Travel | Annual Hours of Delay | Annual Hours of Delay (M Hours) | Annual Congestion Cost Savings ($M)3 | Annual Congestion Cost Savings per Commuter1, 3 |
| Austin District2 | +20% | −11% | −7.3 | +$193 | +$351 |
| Dallas District2 | +15% | -3% | -3.6 | +$96 | +$161 |
| Ft Worth District2 | +13% | +6% | +3.1 | −$83 | +$67 |
| Houston District2 | +7% | −13% | −25.6 | +$680 | +$277 |
| San Antonio District2 | +10% | −21% | −10.2 | +$270 | +$276 |
| Other Districts2 | +13% | −29% | −24.5 | +$648 | +$273 |
| Statewide2 | +12% | −12% | −68.1 | +$1805 | +$240 |
1 Assumes a 20-mile commute, five days a week.
2 Includes all monitored road segments and is not limited to the Top 100.
3 Positive numbers indicate improvement.
CHRISTUS Health Expands Patient Care with New Multi-Specialty Clinic in Sulphur Springs
December 6, 2025 – (SULPHUR SPRINGS, Texas) – CHRISTUS Health celebrated the expansion of specialty care for patients in East Texas with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday for its newest multi-specialty clinic in Sulphur Springs.
The 16,500-square-foot clinic opens to patients on Monday, Dec. 8, and brings together five key specialties under one roof: gastroenterology, general surgery, orthopedics, pain management and pulmonology, enhancing convenience and care coordination for patients.
It is located next to CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital at 215 Airport Rd., in Sulphur Springs.
“It is a giant blessing to be able to heal people, and this clinic represents the commitment from CHRISTUS to ensure that patients, rural and urban, have the ability to seek world-class care here in Sulphur Springs,” said Dr. Christopher Meltsakos, orthopedic surgeon with CHRISTUS Health in Sulphur Springs. “This clinic allows us to provide greater access and resources to our current patients and make the new patients that come through our door feel at home.”
The new space supports CHRISTUS Health’s long-term strategy to meet growing patient demand, reduce wait times and strengthen access to specialty services.
In addition to support staff, 10 specialty physicians will see patients in the new clinic, which was designed with both capacity and comfort in mind.
It features 30 state-of-the-art exam rooms, multiple x-ray rooms, lab and orthopedic casting room, allowing patients to receive comprehensive care without traveling to multiple locations.
“We use words like growth and purpose, but those words only matter if we make an impact on real people,” said Dr. David Larsen, chair of primary care for CHRISTUS Health. “This clinic and the providers and staff that are here are making that impact and represent all the values of CHRISTUS in living our mission of extending the healing ministry of Jesus Christ.”
Patients who have questions about the new location or scheduling are encouraged to call (903) 885-6688.
Federal–State Clash Intensifies Over SNAP Data Demand
December 5, 2025 – The political fight over federal food assistance escalated sharply this week as the Trump administration threatened to withhold Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funding from states that refuse to turn over detailed personal data on beneficiaries.
About 42 million lower-income Americans, or 1 in 8, rely on SNAP to help buy groceries. The average monthly benefit is about $190 per person, or a little over $6 a day.
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said during a Tuesday Cabinet meeting that her department has requested information including names and immigration status of aid recipients. Rollins argued that the data is necessary to “root out fraud” and ensure federal dollars are being used properly. She warned that states declining to cooperate risk losing access to billions in food aid.
Democratic-led states quickly pushed back, calling the demand unprecedented and intrusive. Maryland became the latest to join a multistate lawsuit seeking to block the requirement. Gov. Wes Moore condemned the ultimatum as “reckless” and “cruel,” saying it threatens food security for hundreds of thousands of residents.
State officials argue they already verify eligibility and that federal officials have never before requested such expansive personal data. They say complying would violate privacy protections, undermine public trust, and potentially expose vulnerable families to immigration enforcement or identity theft.
The standoff now heads to the courts, where judges will determine whether the federal government can condition access to critical safety-net funding on states’ willingness to share sensitive information about those who rely on it.
Texas A&M Forest Service Awards $17 Million to Texas Fire Departments
December 5, 2025 – COLLEGE STATION, Texas—Thanks to a historic investment by the 89th Texas Legislature, Texas A&M Forest Service approved an additional $17.6 million in funding to award 687 fire and rescue equipment grants and 66 dry hydrant grants to Texas volunteer fire departments through the Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program today.
The Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program was established by Texas House Bill 2604 in 2001 to provide grants to rural volunteer fire departments for essential firefighting equipment and training. Since its onset, the program has awarded over $500 million in grants to Texas fire departments.
Today’s funding was the second phase in distributing over $192 million to Texas volunteer fire departments, following an appropriation approved by the 89th Texas Legislature for departments that submitted funding requests on or before Nov. 7, 2024.
During the legislative session, this program was also appropriated approximately $88 million in base funding for the biennium (fiscal years 2026-27)—the most ever allocated—to address ongoing needs for critical equipment at the local level.
Additional funding for personal protective equipment and training aids will be awarded to Texas fire departments in the coming months.
Texas fire departments are eligible to apply for grants and assistance through FireConnect, a Texas A&M Forest Service database that provides a streamlined grant portal for the agency and fire departments. FireConnect also provides a comprehensive directory of Texas fire departments that is viewable for the public and all Texas fire agencies, as well as a portal for fire departments to submit incident reports and search for firefighting equipment in times when mutual aid is needed on emergency scenes.
It’s Blue Santa Day in Hopkins County
December 5, 2024 – The annual Blue Santa Toy Drive starts at 7AM and goes till 7PM. The Hopkins County Sheriff Department will also be accepting cash donations.
You can call ahead to make sure you get your delicious BBQ dinner provided each year by CJ Duffy. He will be with the Blue Santa crew at the Walmart in Sulphur Springs on Friday December 5, 2024. We can deliver within Sulphur Springs city limits between 10am and 1pm for orders of 10 or more! Call 903 438 4044 to pre order.
Come out and help children in need in Hopkins County.
Texas Christmas Tree Industry Booms as Nation Sees Sharp Decline
December 5, 2025 – AUSTIN — Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller kicked off the holiday season Wednesday by celebrating a rare bright spot in American agriculture: the rapid growth of the Texas Christmas tree industry, even as the sector declines nationwide.
“There is nothing like a Texas-grown Christmas tree,” Miller said. “When Texans buy a real tree grown in Texas soil, they support our farmers, create local jobs, and keep holiday dollars right here at home.”
National data tells a different story. Between 2002 and 2022, the number of U.S. farms harvesting Christmas trees dropped nearly 30%, from more than 13,600 to about 10,000, according to the American Farm Bureau. Acres in production fell even more dramatically, from roughly 450,000 to 293,000.
Texas, however, has moved sharply in the opposite direction. In 2017, the state had 125 growers tending 945 acres of Christmas trees. By 2022, that number had surged to 220 growers managing 3,565 acres — nearly a fourfold increase. The Texas A&M Forest Service credits rising local demand, improved seed stock adapted to Texas climates, and stronger consumer interest in supporting in-state agriculture.
Miller praised the industry’s resiliency in the face of droughts, freezes, supply challenges, and economic uncertainty. “Texas farmers have faced everything under the sun — and they keep delivering,” he said. “This growth is an outstanding accomplishment.”
Consumer data reinforces the trend: Texans bought 26% more real Christmas trees in 2022 than in 2017, choosing fresh, fragrant evergreens over artificial options. Many farms have expanded with family-friendly activities — pumpkin patches, hayrides, Santa visits, and photography spots — boosting rural tourism alongside tree sales.
“Whether you value tradition, Texas agriculture, or supporting local businesses, there has never been a better time to choose a real Texas Christmas tree,” Miller said.
How the Health Care Foundation’s Snowflake Campaign Works
December 4, 2025 – Sulphur Springs, TX – The Hopkins County Health Care Foundation’s Snowflake Campaign is a longstanding tradition in our community. It is the original crowd funding idea for Hopkins County healthcare.
For a recommended donation of at least $25, the Foundation will place a snowflake bearing the honoree or tributee’s name. These are then affixed to the glass walls and windows in the CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs lobby.
Behind the scenes the Foundation office staff will prepare an acknowledgement card to be sent to each honoree, or whoever the donor specifies should be made aware of the gift in memory of a deceased person. Enclosed with the cards are details who made the donation and who it honors, and informs them of a snowflake hanging in the hospital lobby with their name.
The Foundation also sends a card to the donor to thank them for their donation and to make them aware the acknowledgements have been sent.
This tradition helps the Foundation purchase a healthcare gift for the community which is used by the hospital. This year’s present will be a blanket warmer to be used in the surgical wing. Imagine how welcome a warm blanket will be for those preparing for surgery.
With the support and help of our fellow citizens, this blanket warmer will be a reality that will soon be providing comfort. It won’t just be a blanket wrapped around a patient, but it will also represent the love of those who contributed to making it possible.
To donate to the Snowflake Campaign, visit the website at Snowflake2025.GiveSmart.com. Or mail a check made payable to the HCHC Foundation to P O Box 1011, Sulphur Springs, TX 75483. Please include contact information for the donor as well as the individuals to whom an acknowledgment of the recognition should be sent. Additionally, include the name(s) of the individual(s) to be added to the snowflakes and if the gift is in honor of or memory of the person.
To learn more about the Foundation’s Snowflake Campaign call 903-438-4799. The Hopkins County Health Care Foundation is a 28-year-old, IRS 501 (c) 3 not-for-profit organization serving Hopkins County. The Foundation is committed to providing great local healthcare through its own free clinics and educational programs. Additionally, the Foundation raises funding to help two other entities: the local nonprofit hospital, CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs, and the Hopkins County Hospital District/EMS.
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To recognize your friends and loved ones with a snowflake, visit Snowflake2025.GiveSmart.com.
Sulphur Springs City Managers Report November 2025
December 4, 2025 – During the regular meeting of the Sulphur Springs City Council on Tuesday December 2, 2025, City Manager Marc Maxwell submitted his monthly report.
TO: CITY COUNCIL
FROM: CITY MANAGER, MARC MAXWELL
SUBJ: MANAGER’S REPORT
CLAIMS – No workers’ compensation, liability, or property claims were filed in November. A notice of claim related to the Luminant/Vistra litigation was received and forwarded to TMLIRP.
STREET IMPROVEMENT PLAN (SIP) & 2026 PLANNING –
TENTATIVE 2026 SIP LIST
| Street | Between | Length |
| Asphalt/Conc. Repair | various soft spot repairs | 1000 |
| Hodge | League to Barbara | 1130 |
| Colorado | Longino to Jackson | 401 |
| Fleming | Church to Rosemont | 428 |
| Putman | Carter to Como | 2360 |
| Mulberry | Park to Glover | 1299 |
| League | Connally to Houston + curve | 1316 |
| Moore | Main to Connally | 1193 |
| Gaines | Fuller to Putman | 422 |
| Raintree | Loop 301 to Loop 301 | 2978 |
| N. Lake Rd. and ramp | Peerless Hwy to ramp | 3200 |
| Towne | Hinnant to Robertson | 412 |
| Lemon | Bill Bradford-McGrede to Sprite | 1088 |
| Able and Ava | Putman to Fuller | 820 |
| Davis St. | South Davis from RR to Kyle | 2149 |
| Southland | Davidson to end | 898 |
| Simms | Freeman to end | 400 |
| Cranford | Austin to Hodge | 891 |
| Total Feet | 22385 | |
| Total Miles | 4.24 | |
Street maintenance continued while staff advanced SIP 2026 preparations. The tentative street list is complete, contract extension documents have been sent to the contractor, and IWorQ street-condition assessments were updated. Engineering is coordinating development inquiries and utility review work for multiple sites.
Thermo 18″ Water Line (Capital Construction)
Crews installed 350 feet of 18-inch water line in November, bringing the total installed to 16,257 feet. They also installed a tee and 20 feet of 8-inch line for future development, tied in the 2-inch line and meter at the Thermo building, installed gates along the easement, replaced removed fencing, and completed cleanup at the railroad spur bore area. Pipe for the Thermo 21-inch sewer line has arrived, and manholes are scheduled for early December delivery.
City Hall Site & Parking
City Hall parking lot sidewalks and irrigation for the new parking area were installed. Engineering continued design work on the City Hall addition, including civil-site layout and underground utility tracing.
Development Projects
The 30 West Park final plat (8.32 acres at Shannon Road & FM 2297) was approved. Staff completed final inspections for Stonewood Phase I and continued water-main installation along Trinity Parkway. Engineering also advanced master planning work on the Coalmine development, prepared utility cost estimates, and assisted with SSISD Elementary School #2 water-line tie-in.
Elsewhere around the city:
Public Works
• Repaired 61 potholes; cleaned storm drains 4 times; repaired 14 water/sewer cut areas.
• Completed 1 major street repair following an Atmos gas leak.
• Continued citywide program to trim trees within 14 feet of roadway clearance.
• Installed 2 inlet drains at the Airport; placed sand on an oil spill near Corner Grub.
• Set barricades for a food-giveaway event; cleaned multiple drainage areas.
• Demolished old pavilion at Pacific Park and poured new concrete pad for replacement.
Utilities — Water
• Water breaks repaired: 1″–2, 6″–9, 8″–1 (total 12 city-line breaks).
• Replaced 14 ¾-inch meters and 2 2-inch meters.
• Located 6,300 feet of water mains for contractor work; replaced 3 broken meter boxes.
• Installed tee, valves, gates, and hydrant infrastructure as part of capital work.
Utilities — Sewer (City Lines Only)
• City sewer calls answered: 16 (private 15, grease 7 — excluded from totals). • Repaired 1 × 4″ city sewer line and 2 × 6″ city sewer lines.
• Washed over 83,000 feet of city sewer mains (F.O.G. program).
• Located 6,300 feet of sewer mains for contractors.
• Installed two 4-inch sewer taps on city mains.
Wastewater Treatment Plant
• Monthly average effluent TSS = 0.62 mg/L.
• Hauled 324.84 tons of sludge to Maloy Landfill.
• Completed numerous maintenance items: preventive filter cleaning, float replacements, clarifier belts, blower troubleshooting, chlorine-hoist annual inspection, electrical repairs around plaza, and gate fabrication for Parks.
Community Development — Inspections & Permits
• 76 building inspections; 18 electrical; 16 plumbing; 7 mechanical.
• Issued 22 building permits and 35 trade permits.
• Zoning: 962 College rezoning request was denied.
• DRB approved a design application at 204 Main St.
• No ZBA applications.
Fire Department
• 190 total calls; 30 inspections; 74 hydrants maintained; 176 CE training hours.
• Incident detail: 1 structure fire; 2 vehicle fires; 4 other fires; 13 alarms; 1 county mutual aid.
Police Department
• 1,775 total calls; 47 accidents (10 injuries, 0 fatalities); 401 citations; 38 offenses; 46 arrests
• Animal Control
– 123 complaint calls; 7 adoptions; 18 dogs/cats picked up; 13 drop-offs.
– 2 wild animals picked up and 2 released.
– 16 animals released to owners; 17 citations.
– 0 dead animals picked up; 2 euthanized; 2 bite reports.
– 16 animals in shelter at month’s end; 92% adoption rate.
Library
• 3,928 door count; 3,059 checkouts; 224 computer uses.
• 206 eBook users with 813 eBook checkouts.
Parks & Recreation
Downtown/Plaza
• Daily bathroom cleaning; downtown mowing; leaf cleanup; Thanksgiving banner changes.
• Installed Christmas decorations; cleaned Plaza fountain 2×; sprayed weeds; trimmed shrubs; assisted with 4 downtown events.
• Installed irrigation and fencing at new City Hall parking.
Electrical crews began power installation for the new Pacific Park pavilion and continued lighting repairs around downtown and the jogging trail.
Coleman/Buford Parks
• Mowed Coleman Lake & Buford Park; removed 2 trees; trimmed soccer-field trees.
• Hosted 2 softball tournaments.
• Cleaned beds, made irrigation repairs, power-washed picnic areas, painted Coleman parking lot stripes.
Grays Building & Senior Center
• 20 Gray’s Building rentals; 109 senior-center activities; Thanksgiving lunch (180) attendees.
Airport & Tourism
• 2,558 operations (avg 85/day); pumped 5,608 gallons of AvGas and 10,810 gallons of Jet-A.
• STOL traffic contributed to increased operations on November 1.
• Tourism staff continued distributing community information and assisting with event planning for December 4–7 Christmas events
Chamber Connection – December 3, 2025
By Butch Burney
Nominations are being accepted for Citizen of the Year, Woman of the Year, Small and Large Businesses of the Year and other superlative recognitions by the Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce.
The awards will be announced at the Chamber’s membership banquet on Thursday, Feb. 19, at the Hopkins County Civic Center.
When nominating a person or business, please write in the nomination letter the reasons you are proposing them for the award.
Nominations can be sent to [email protected] or mailed to 110 Main Street in Sulphur Springs. The awards to be presented include:
- Citizen of the Year
- Woman of the Year
- Caregiver of the Year
- Community Pride Award
- Agriculturist of the Year— (can also be mailed to Hopkins/Rains Counties Farm Bureau at 233 College St., Sulphur Springs 75482).
- Growth and Renewal
- Outstanding Professional Educator (Administrator, Counselor, Diagnostician, or Teacher
- Outstanding ParaProfessional Educator (Secretary or Aide
- Outstanding Auxiliary Educator (Maintenance, Custodial, Transportation, Nurse or Cafeteria
Businesses of the Year nominations should be for those businesses which exhibit outstanding community involvement—civic, church, educational, benevolent, humanitarian or other.
- Large Business of the Year (50 or more employees)
- Small Business of the Year (fewer than 50 full-time employees)
Please get your nominations in before the end of the year.
Ornaments on Sale
Our 2025 Christmas ornaments, featuring Buford Park, are on sale at the Chamber office. They are $45 each.
The Chamber also has a limited supply of 2025 stew merchandise still available. This includes a few shirts, tumblers, mugs and caps. We are located at 110 Main St.
Christmas Activities
■ Lake Country CASA’s annual Cookie Walk is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 5, beginning at 9 a.m. at First United Methodist Church. There will be cookies, cakes and other treats for sale to benefit Lake Country CASA.
■ The Lions Club Lighted Christmas Parade is set for Friday, Dec. 5 starting at Buford Park. Line-up begins at 4 p.m. with the parade starting at 7. Registration must be received by noon on Tuesday, Dec. 3. Categories will be Large Business, Small Business and Non-Profit, with cash prizes awarded to winners.
Registration sheets are available at the Chamber office, 110 Main St.
Entry fee is one new unwrapped present for Blue Santa.
■ Along with the parade, the city will host the Lighted Celebration Market downtown from 5-9 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 5. It will include lighting of the city Christmas tree at 5:45 p.m., and the snow slide opening at 6 p.m.
■ Christmas in the Park continues Dec. 6 at Heritage Park on Jackson Street. Affordable family fun under the Christmas lights, with Santa, live music, nativity and more.
■ The Christmas Market on Main Street will take place on Saturday, Dec. 6, downtown. You can do your shopping with our local merchants and vendors that day.
■ Northeast Texas Choral Society will have their “Joy to the World” production at 7 p.m. Dec. 6 and 2 p.m. on Dec. 7, at the Hopkins County Civic Center. Visit the website SingersCount.org for ticket information.
■ “Ebenezer Scrooge’s Big Sulphur Springs Christmas” will be playing at Main Street Theatre at 7 p.m. on Dec. 4, 6, 7, 11, 13 and 14. Tickets are $15. Visit communityplayersinc.com for more information.
First Responders Banquet
The annual banquet to show appreciation for our county’s First Responders is set for Thursday, Jan. 8, at the Hopkins County Civic Center.
All first responders who work in the county are invited to attend and bring a significant other at no charge. They will be served a catered meal and we will have thousands of dollars in gifts to give away.
If you would like to help sponsor the banquet, call the Chamber office at 903-885-6515.
Coffee and Conversation
The Way Bible Church in Martin Spring is hosting the next Coffee and Conversation from 8-9 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 4.
You don’t have to be a Chamber member to attend, and it’s a great way to start off the day. Please join us for this event.
We will also have a Cocktails and Conversation at Jay Hodge Chevrolet from 5-6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 11. Please come and enjoy refreshments.
Ribbon Cuttings
CHRISTUS Health will host a ribbon cutting and blessing at 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 4, for the new multi-specialty clinic. Enjoy tours of Orthopedics, Pain Management, General Surgery, Gastroenterology, Pulmonology and Sleep Medicine. Refreshments will be served.
NextLink will host a ribbon cutting at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10, at the Chamber office. Please join us for this event.
Keep Holidays Happy by Getting a Sober Ride
December 4, 2025 – December has highest number of drunk driving crashes in Texas
PARIS – The loss of a loved one hits even harder over the holidays.
There are empty chairs at thousands of tables for Texas families devastated by deadly drunk driving crashes. As Texans gather to celebrate this time of year, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is urging Texans to extend their well-known kindness and courtesy to others on the road and always choose a sober ride.
“The holidays are a wonderful time to be with family, and yet they can also be a painful reminder for those who have lost loved ones to preventable crashes,” said TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams. “Let’s make a new holiday tradition to drive like a Texan: kind, courteous and safe. That means always getting a sober ride.”
Remember to drive the Texas Way
December had the highest number of crashes caused by drunk drivers in Texas last year. There were more than 2,000 drunk driving-related crashes during the 2024 holiday season. All of these could have been avoided by taking a sober ride.
- In the Paris District in 2024, there were 6,215 traffic crashes, resulting in 103 fatalities and 447 serious injuries.
- In the Paris District in 2024, there were 342 DUI-alcohol related traffic crashes, resulting in 27 fatalities and 65 serious injuries.
- In the Paris District, there were 36 DUI-alcohol related traffic crashes during the 2024 holiday season time period, resulting in 5 fatalities and 1 serious injury.
- In the Paris District, there were 6 DUI-alcohol related traffic crashes during the 2024 New Year’s holiday time period, resulting in 3 fatalities and no serious injuries.
The empty chair
“Every day, I sit at a table with an empty chair,” Charisse Thomas said.
A drunk driver killed Charisse Thomas’ daughter Destani in a head-on crash as she drove home from high school in 2020. Earlier that same day, Destani had found out she was accepted into college. The driver, just 22 years old himself, had been binge drinking all weekend.
“He got four years in prison, and my family got a life sentence,” Thomas said.
How to avoid holiday tragedies
If you drink any amount of alcohol, do not drive. Instead:
- Designate a sober driver before the party starts
- Call a sober friend
- Use public transit or rideshare
- Stay put until you are sober
Drive Sober. No Regrets campaign
Over the next few weeks, TxDOT plans to reach people as they prepare for holiday get-togethers. TxDOT is partnering with Walmart during the holiday season to take its interactive exhibit to stores in areas with the highest number of drunk driving deaths.
TxDOT’s Drive Sober. No Regrets. campaign also includes PSAs on TV, radio, billboards, online and at bars, restaurants and convenience stores statewide. The campaign supports a heightened law enforcement period from Dec. 12 through Jan. 1, when more officers will be on alert looking for drunk drivers.
Drive Sober. No Regrets. is an important part of TxDOT’s Drive like a Texan: Kind. Courteous. Safe. initiative. Drive like a Texan is about embracing the pride, camaraderie and responsibility of being a Texan on the road. By making thoughtful choices, we can all help keep each other safe. Learn more at DriveLikeATexan.com.
For more information, please contact [email protected] or call (903) 737-9213.
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