TxDOT Shares Emotional Plea Against Drunk Driving Ahead of Holiday Crackdown
Staff Report
Edinburg TX – As summer begins and the Fourth of July nears, the Texas Department of Transportation is amplifying its anti-drunk driving message by sharing the tragic story of 8-year-old Kelsey Nalepa, who died after a drunk driver struck her family’s car in 2017.
Kelsey and her father, Marcus Nalepa, were headed to a softball practice in League City when the crash occurred near her elementary school. She suffered brain injuries and died two days later.
TxDOT is using the Nalepa family’s story in its “Drive Sober. No Regrets.” campaign to highlight the personal toll of impaired driving and encourage Texans to plan ahead before drinking.
“There are so many other alternatives to help prevent a tragedy—like the one that happened to my family—from happening to yours,” said Kelsey’s mother, Nicole Nalepa.
Near the crash site, TxDOT installed a sign that reads, “Please don’t drink and drive. In honor of Kelsey Nalepa who was killed in 2017.” Marcus Nalepa said he hopes the message will make drivers think twice.
“If that sign saves one family, it is well worth it in my opinion,” he said.
Despite widespread awareness of the dangers, more than 1,000 people died in DUI-related crashes across Texas in 2024—an average of three deaths each day.
TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams emphasized the consequences. “Making the choice to drive drunk instead of finding a sober ride home can and does lead to serious consequences,” he said.
As part of the campaign, TxDOT is also presenting the “Faces of Drunk Driving” video exhibit, featuring first-person stories from crash survivors and offenders to underscore the lasting impact of impaired driving.
From June 26 to July 13, law enforcement agencies across the state will increase patrols to target drunk drivers during the summer holiday period.
“Drive Sober. No Regrets.” is part of the larger “Drive like a Texan: Kind. Courteous. Safe.” initiative, which promotes responsible driving and shared accountability among Texans on the road.
Source — Texas Department of Transportation.