How Texas Tech Fans Can Stay Safe During College Football Season

College football is about to kick off, and Texas Tech fans are eager as ever to get back in the swing of things. Having fun this season with tailgates and parties is always in the cards for fans across the state, but what is often overlooked is the need to have safety plans when things go awry.

That's where the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) steps in with their reminder to avoid unnecessary dangers during the football season.

How to Enjoy a Safe College Football Season

It may come across as sounding like a broken record, but the fact remains the same: Drunk driving is the leading cause of preventable fatalities on Texas roads.

In fact, nearly one third of all traffic-related deaths involved a drunk driver nationwide in 2024 alone. With a total of 11,904 fatalities resulting from drunk drivers' choices that year, that comes out to an average of one fatality every 44 minutes.

The unfortunate reality is that the majority of alcohol-impaired fatalities on Texas roads involve drivers between the ages of 21 and 24. This means that young adults and college students are the most susceptible to getting behind the wheel while drunk.

Texas Tech is welcoming a record-breaking 45,000 new students to campus this semester, meaning that the chance of drunk driving rises exponentially as tailgates and parties commence.

Football Season Safety Tips

It's more important than ever to remember these safety tips this season as the Red Raiders dominate the field:

• Always wear a seatbelt
• Pick a designated driver (DD) in your friend group, and don't let other friends drive while drunk
• Use a rideshare app like Uber if you plan on going out and drinking
• Report drivers on the road that you believe are impaired

Choosing to ignore the safety tips can not only threaten your well-being and that of those around you, but they can also land you in legal trouble such as excessive fines, expulsion from Texas Tech, or even jail time.

College football is about having fun and enjoying the competitive energy with friends and fans alike. None of us want to think about the potential damage and death that can result from celebrating recklessly.

So, instead, let's stay safe and have another exciting season as we root for the Red Raiders. Go Tech!