Driver safety urged for Spring Break
By BRENDA SOMMER bsommer@leader-news.com

L-N File Photo Nothing Extraordinary El Campo Police shouldn't see an increase in crime during the upcoming Spring Break holiday, Chief Jim Elliott said.

Next week there will be some highly visible reminders that spring is upon us: more children outside playing near the streets, lots of people riding bicycles, youngsters flying along on skateboards and noticeably more drivers on the road.

Spring Break - the annual week-long holiday cherished by El Campo ISD students and teachers alike - began after school let out Friday and continues until classes resume Monday, March 24.

El Campo Police Chief Jim Elliott said although the break increases the number of youth roaming during the daytime, it doesn't create a bump in crimes such as theft and vandalism.

"There's no significant increase," Elliott said.

But the Texas Department of Public Safety is urging drivers to slow down, drive sober and buckle up during Spring Break, especially when headed to popular destinations, especially beaches.

The DPS will have additional units patroling state highways throughout March to curb drinking and driving by underage drivers.

"The drinking age in Texas is 21. When it comes to underage drinking and driving, Texas has a zero-tolerance law," said Col. Thomas A. Davis Jr., director of the DPS. "If you're under 21, you face criminal charges and suspension of your license if you drive with any detectable amount of alcohol in your system.

"We're not against young people having fun, but there is a little thing called the law you have to take into account. Flying down the highway, breaking a half dozen laws is not the best way for our future leaders to begin a vacation. The bulletproof theory of youth has been disproved time and time again."

The DPS estimates a first DWI offense costs at least $3,180 in fines and fees and could cost as much as $17,000.

Spring Break travelers are asked to make sure drivers are well-rested and leave in plenty of time to get to their destinations.

March is the third highest month in Texas for alcoholrelated traffic fatalities, and drivers 25 and under accounted for nearly a third of the alcoholrelated fatalities in Texas last year.

Louise ISD students do not take a full week off for Spring Break, but instead take two long weekends, one in March and the other in April.