FORNEY - In March of 2013, 23-year-old Jade Jiles was killed by a drunk driver as she stepped outside to rescue her friend's blind dog on a rainy day. TXDOT is bringing awareness to drunk driving this holiday season with Jiles's story at the forefront.
FORNEY - In March of 2013, 23-year-old Jade Jiles was killed by a drunk driver as she stepped outside to rescue her friend's blind dog on a rainy day. TXDOT is bringing awareness to drunk driving this holiday season with Jiles's story at the forefront.
According to TXDOT, “One in four traffic deaths in Texas were related to drunk driving last year, and that number increased to 28% over the holidays. In 2023, 126 Texans were killed, and 272 were seriously injured by drunk drivers over the Thanksgiving weekend and holiday season.”
In response to the statistics, TXDOT has launched its “Drive Sober. No Regrets” campaign, encouraging Texas drivers to drive sober and to get a ride instead of getting behind the wheel.
Over the next few weeks, TXDOT will take its mobile, interactive exhibit to Walmart stores to engage with and remind drivers about the dangers of drinking and driving.
“It’s not okay to drink and drive,” said TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams. “It’s not okay for a friend or family member to go through the death of a loved one at the hands of people who are drinking and driving. It’s always possible to find a safe and sober ride home, so make it a priority any time you drink.”
Jiles’ mother, Yolanda Jiles, shared her story with TXDOT. She said that her family continues to be devastated by her daughter's death at the hands of a drunk driver.
“Our family continues to be devastated by Jade’s passing. She had such a bright future ahead of her. She was working two jobs to pay for college, with plans of becoming a teacher. She also had a six-month-old son named Jacob,” said Yolanda. “She’ll never get a chance to step into the classroom or watch her son grow up. All because someone made the choice of getting behind the wheel after drinking.”
The “Drive Sober. No Regrets” campaign will also feature PSAs on TV, radio, and billboards, as well as restaurants and convenience stores. From December 13th to January 1st, law enforcement patrols will be heightened to look for drunk drivers.
According to TXDOT, “driving impaired and getting a DWI can result in time-consuming legal hassles, loss of your driver license, and fines and fees up to $17,000.”
November 7, 2000, was the last deathless day on Texas roadways.