DWI prevention in Austin during Super Bowl weekend

AUSTIN, Texas - As Super Bowl weekend approaches, AAA is encouraging people to plan if you’re going to drink.

Austin police also have a no-refusal initiative year-round, meaning someone must provide a blood sample if they are suspected of driving while intoxicated.

Dangers of driving under the influence

Why you should care:

"There are hundreds of families right now that are grieving because someone got behind the wheel and decided to drive after they consumed alcohol," AAA spokesperson Daniel Armbruster said.

Brenda Sanchez-Martinez’s husband was killed in 2021 when a drunk driver, going 20 miles over the speed limit, crossed into oncoming lanes, and slammed into Brenda’s car that was stopped at a red light.

"There's no excuse to get behind the wheel if you're going to consume alcohol," Armbruster said.

By the numbers:

AAA is urging people to not drink and drive as a historically dangerous weekend on the roads is coming up.

"Here in Texas, an average of 17 people are killed by drunk drivers on Super Bowl weekend," Armbruster said.

Austin police reports arresting more than 30 people for DWI during Super Bowl weekend last year.

What they're saying:

Instead of getting behind the wheel after drinking, order a ride-share, designate a sober driver, or stay where you are for the night.

"It's all about enjoying the game, having a good time, but doing so responsibly and making the right decision as an adult to make sure that you have a plan if you are going to consume alcohol or anything that could inhibit your ability to drive," Armbruster said.

He said that includes marijuana.

"Marijuana can be just as dangerous as alcohol when it comes to impairment behind the wheel," Armbruster said.

Studies show marijuana can cause drivers to have slower reaction times, difficulty maintaining attention and judging distances, and reduced coordination.

"Twenty-five percent of the fatal crashes in Texas are caused by drunk drivers. But there's also even more crashes caused by impaired drivers," Armbruster said.