Football Season: How to Avoid Texas Auto Accidents
How to Avoid Texas Auto Accidents During Football Season with Free Ride Programs
Football season in Texas isn’t just a sport—it’s a full-blown tradition. From high school Friday night lights to intense college and NFL matchups, fans across the state come together to celebrate their teams. But with the excitement comes a sobering reality: football season often coincides with a spike in alcohol-related car accidents.
Tailgating, bar gatherings, and post-game celebrations are common—but so are the risks of impaired driving. Fortunately, there are proactive steps fans can take to stay safe. One of the most effective? Take advantage of free ride programs designed to prevent drunk driving accidents.
Football Season and Increased Risk of Accidents
Game days bring traffic congestion, heightened emotions, and unfortunately, an increase in drunk or distracted drivers. According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), weekends and evenings during football season see a notable uptick in DUI-related crashes.
Drivers who leave stadiums, bars, or house parties after drinking—even “just a couple beers”—may overestimate their ability to drive safely. Alcohol impairs judgment, slows reaction time, and makes it harder to focus—creating a dangerous combination behind the wheel.
Free Ride Programs: A Life-Saving Option
To combat impaired driving during football season, several organizations across Texas offer free or discounted ride options to keep intoxicated drivers off the road. These programs have proven effective in reducing DUI arrests and saving lives.
Here are a few types of programs to look out for:
1. Law Firm Sponsored Rides
Many Texas-based law firms sponsor ride programs through partnerships with Uber, Lyft, or taxi services. They often offer free codes during high-risk times like major football games or holidays. These rides are usually available within certain areas and for a limited time.
2. Local Government Initiatives
Cities such as Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio occasionally fund free or subsidized transportation to prevent drunk driving. Some cities provide bus routes with extended hours or even shuttle services from stadiums and bar districts.
3. Nonprofit and Advocacy Groups
Organizations like MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) frequently promote ride-share campaigns during football season. They also raise awareness through social media and community outreach to encourage fans to plan ahead.
4. University & Campus Rides
Many Texas colleges and universities offer safe ride programs for students and faculty, especially during home games. Some student groups even organize designated driver programs.
How to Access Free Ride Programs
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Plan Ahead: Know whether your city offers any active programs before heading out. A quick online search or local news source will typically provide updated info.
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Follow Local Law Firms: Personal injury and criminal defense firms often post ride discount codes on social media before big games.
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Download the Apps: Make sure you have Uber, Lyft, or any local taxi app installed and ready to go.
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Spread the Word: Encourage friends and family to use the same safe option. It might just save a life.
Tips to Stay Safe During Football Season
Besides using free ride options, here are some smart ways to avoid accidents and keep game days fun and accident-free:
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Designate a Sober Driver: Always have someone in your group stay sober and commit to driving.
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Use Public Transportation: In larger cities, buses and trains may be your safest and most economical choice.
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Don’t Drive Drowsy: Football games can run late. If you’re tired, wait it out, drink water, and get rest before driving.
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Avoid Road Rage: Traffic gets heavy around stadiums and after games. Be patient and give yourself extra time to get home.
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Keep Distractions Down: Even if you’re sober, loud passengers and celebratory chaos in the car can take your attention off the road.
Legal Consequences of Drunk Driving in Texas
Driving under the influence in Texas carries serious penalties—even for first-time offenders. These can include:
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Fines up to $2,000
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License suspension
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Jail time
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Ignition interlock device installation
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Dramatically increased insurance rates
If someone is injured or killed as a result of impaired driving, charges can escalate to intoxication assault or intoxication manslaughter—both felonies with long prison terms.
Avoiding these consequences is simple: don’t drive if you’ve been drinking. Use the tools and programs designed to help you get home safely.
Final Thoughts
Texas football season should be a time of celebration—not tragedy. Every year, families are devastated by preventable car accidents tied to game day celebrations. By planning ahead and using free ride programs, you can enjoy the season while keeping yourself and others safe.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident caused by a drunk or negligent driver, a Texas personal injury lawyer can help you recover compensation and hold the at-fault party accountable.
Let’s make Texas roads safer, one game day at a time.
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