FAMILY LOSES DAUGHTER TO DRUNK DRIVER, SHARES STORY TO SPARE OTHERS FROM HEARTBREAK DURING HOLIDAYS
TxDOT’s ‘Plan While You Can’ campaign contributes to a 9-percent decrease in alcohol-related traffic fatalities
AUSTIN – The Stephens family is planning their annual holiday feast, but this year, one seat will remain empty. Their daughter Jade was killed when a drunk driver ran a stop sign and T-boned their car, just days before her 10th birthday.
“We miss her every day, but we feel the loss of her presence particularly around the holidays,” said Eric Stephens, Jade’s father. “We miss her joy, wit and infectious laugh. No other family should experience a loss like ours due to drinking and driving. All it takes is planning ahead for a sober ride.”
The Stephens family is sharing Jade’s story through the Texas Department of Transportation’s “Plan While You Can” campaign to communicate the devastating consequences of drinking and driving. The goal is to save lives and decrease alcohol-related crashes, with special emphasis during the holidays when alcohol consumption is more prevalent.
As a combined result of the “Plan While You Can” campaign and the efforts of many state and local community partners, including law enforcement, Texas experienced a 9-percent decrease in alcohol-related traffic fatalities during last year’s holiday season (Dec. 1, 2015 – Jan. 1, 2016) compared to the previous holiday season. Still, during last year’s holiday season, there were 2,374 alcohol-related crashes in Texas, resulting in 102 fatalities and 205 serious injuries.
“We are saving lives through our education efforts and by sharing compelling stories from families who have lost loved ones,” said TxDOT Executive Director James Bass. “However, one life lost is one too many. Finding a sober ride is easy and it can save you from being arrested or from injuring or killing yourself or others. By making an effort to plan ahead for a sober ride, together, we can continue to save lives.”
The “Plan While You Can” campaign includes a statewide tour featuring an interactive dodgeball game, where participants dodge “snowballs” as virtual drinks are added to the screen. As more drinks are added, the players’ on-screen avatars respond more slowly to players’ movements. Participants experience how drinking can slow their reaction times.
As always, TxDOT strongly encourages everyone to plan for a sober ride before going out. Visit SoberRides.org to find alternatives to drinking and driving, such as:
- Calling a taxi or using a transportation app on your smartphone.
- Using mass transit.
- Asking a sober friend or family member for a ride home.
- Spending the night.
Now retrieving an image set.
Earth Rated Poop Bags for Dogs, Guaranteed Leak Proof and Extra Thick Waste Bag Refill Rolls, Lavender Scented, 270 Bags
Now retrieving the price.
(as of June 23, 2026 19:24 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Now retrieving an image set.
Purina Fancy Feast Grilled Wet Cat Food Seafood Collection in Wet Cat Food Variety Pack - (Pack of 24) 3 oz. Cans
Now retrieving the price.
(as of June 23, 2026 19:24 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Now retrieving an image set.
Rocco & Roxie Supply Co. Stain & Strong Odor Eliminator, Enzyme Cleaner, Pet Odor Eliminator for Home - Carpet Stain Remover for Cats & Dog Pee - Urine Destroyer - Carpet Cleaner Spray Clear, 32 Fl Oz
Now retrieving the price.
(as of June 23, 2026 19:24 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Now retrieving an image set.
Greenies Veterinarian-Recommended Adult Natural Dental Dog Treats Teenie Size, Dog Dental Chews, Original Flavor, 36 oz. Pack, 130 Count
Now retrieving the price.
(as of June 23, 2026 19:24 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Now retrieving an image set.
Pedigree Dentastix Large Dog Treats, Original, Beef & Fresh, 2.73 lb. Variety Pack (51 Treats Total)
Now retrieving the price.
(as of June 23, 2026 19:24 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Now retrieving an image set.
ARM & HAMMER Clump & Seal SLIDE Platinum Multi-Cat Clumping Cat Litter, Easy Clean Technology with No Scrubbing, 14-Day Odor Control, 18 lbs
Now retrieving the price.
(as of June 23, 2026 19:24 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Now retrieving an image set.
Sheba Perfect Portions Wet Cat Food Pate with Sustainable Salmon, Signature Seafood Entree, and Tender White Fish and Tuna Entree Variety Pack, 2.6 oz. Twin Pack Trays (24 Count, 48 Servings)
Now retrieving the price.
(as of June 23, 2026 19:24 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Now retrieving an image set.
Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Supplements FortiFlora Dog Probiotic Supplement, Canine Nutritional Supplement - 30 ct. Boxes
Now retrieving the price.
(as of June 23, 2026 19:24 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Now retrieving an image set.
Temptations Cat Treats Classic Crunchy and Soft Cat Treats, Tasty Chicken Flavor, 30 oz. Tub
Now retrieving the price.
(as of June 23, 2026 19:24 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Now retrieving an image set.
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Chicken & Brown Rice Adult Dry Dog Food, Supports Immunity with Antioxidant-Rich LifeSource Bits, Promotes Healthy Muscle Development, Skin & Coat Health, 5 lbs.
Now retrieving the price.
(as of June 23, 2026 19:24 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)