New TXDOT Program Aimed at Stopping Drunk Driving

       New TXDOT signs may soon be going up along I-27 and the Loop and they're aimed at stopping drunk driving.   Memorial signs for victims who die in drunk driving wrecks are usually not allowed on Texas State Roadways, but a new state program is changing that and hopefully saving some lives.

      The new program allows friends and family of Texans killed in drunk driving accidents to buy memorial signs from TXDOT that will be placed near crash sites.  The metal signs will be similar in size and design to the "Adopt-a-Highway" signs, but these signs will read, "Please Don't Drink and Drive," then "In Memory of" the victim's name and the date of the crash.  Local Mothers Against Drunk Driving advocates say this program won't eliminate the problem, but it will definitely help.  Dawn Owens with M.A.D.D says "Just raising awareness. Just any time people run across that 'Please Don't Drink and Drive' it will remind them. Anything that will put in their minds that they have the choice not to drink and drive ... is a good thing.  Also, anyway we can honor the victims is great."

       A TXDOT memorial sign costs $300 and will stay up for a year.  When it comes down, the people who paid for it will get to keep it.  If you want to purchase a sign for your loved one, the accident had to take place on a state maintained roadway and it had to be the result of drunk driving.  If you're interested in more information on this new program, log on to www.txdot.gov.