Woman turns tragedy into mission against drunk drivers
AUSTIN (KXAN) — Thousands of people lose their lives each year in drunk driving crashes during holiday weekends, and there is usually a spike in deaths and injuries, according to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT).
“The numbers tell a sad story,” said Ruby Martinez, TxDOT Traffic Safety Program Manager. “There were 327 DUI alcohol related traffic crashes over the labor day weekend in Texas in 2024. Causing 10 deaths and 36 serious injuries.”
During holiday weekends you usually see more law enforcement out on the roads to cut back on drunk drivers.
You also see more organizations raising awareness, like TxDOT, which kicked off its anti-drunk driving campaign called “Drive Sober, No Regrets” this Labor Day weekend.
“There is nothing accidental about having a drink and then getting behind the wheel or doing anything to impair your driving,” said Erin Crawford-Bowers, who lost her parents to a drunk driver.
Crawford-Bowers said a family outing turned deadly after someone decided to drink then drive.
“We were just driving home, my dad was driving the car, I was in the front passenger seat,” said Crawford-Bowers. “That night I lost my dad and my mom.”
She said life was not easy after the accident. Many years later, she lost her brother to a mental health battle, and now she is fighting so other families don’t have to go what she went through.
“We want to see more resources and support for victims, we want to see more police on the roads,” Crawford-Bowers said.
In 2023, more than 12,000 people died in alcohol-impaired driving traffic deaths according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Crawford-Bowers’ son has started to help her raise awareness and through their organization, Crawford’s Legacies, they now raise money and resources for those impacted by drunk driving accidents.
“Our family mission is changing the narrative in the state of Texas to ensure no one ever has to walk in our shoes,” said her son Crawford.
Crawford-Bowers said she plans on continuing her fight at the Texas Capitol where she will push for stricter punishment for those who drive drunk.
