TxDOT Ad Has Santa Sending Drinking & Driving Message

NORTH TEXAS (CBSDFW.COM) - The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has launched a campaign to try and keep people from drinking and driving.

The new public service announcement shows Santa unhappy when he finds his reindeer throwing back beers and martinis, so he opts for a fleet of taxis to pull his sleigh.

The paid media campaign will run from through Sunday, January 1, 2012.

(***Click here to see the television ad***)

The reindeer's message reads, "Don't drive if you're tipsy, buzzed or Blitzen. Call a cab or get a sober ride home."

Deidrea Samuels, a spokesperson with TxDOT, said the ad is humorous but carries a serious message.

"These campaigns are important because they serve as reminders to motorists to let them know that there are other options."

Texas has the highest DWI fatality rate in the country. In 2010 there were 3,024 fatalities on Texas roads, 1,102 were the result of alcohol‐ related crashes.

Samuels said there are stiff punishments for drinking and driving.

"If you are convicted, a first time DUI offender can face a fine of up to $2,000, you're going to loose your driver's license for up to a year and you can spend up to 180 days in jail."

Law enforcement statewide will be working overtime to find and arrest impaired drivers through New Year's Day.