TxDOT Warns Drivers After Tragic Amarillo Student Death

Texas officials are reminding drivers of the tragic story of a West Texas mother who lost her daughter to a drug-impaired driver while she was crossing the street. This sparked a renewed focus on highlighting the risk of driving while drunk or high.

She Never Saw Her Daughter Again

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) shared the heartbreaking 2019 story of Sue Beatty, a woman who dropped her daughter off in Amarillo for her sophomore year at Texas A&M only to hear that she was killed by an impaired driver just weeks later.

As Beatty's daughter, Carly, was walking home one day, someone who was driving while high struck her in the street, ending her life at just 19 years old.

Sue Beatty and TxDOT are sharing the story of her daughter's tragic death with a very direct message: Nobody should ever have a reason to drive impaired.

Texas Stats for Impaired Drivers

Some people wouldn't even think twice about getting behind the wheel while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, but for others, it's worth a gamble.

In 2024, 1,254 people died on Texas roads due to impaired driving. Looking at the math, that's about three people every day. If the threat of losing your own life or taking the life of another doesn't persuade you, then consider the incredible amount of time spent handling legal processes, court appearances, and fees up to $17,000.

After all, it's like what the band AC/DC said in their hit song from 1990, "Money talks." I'll leave out the next part...

So, as summer continues to unfold here in West Texas, it's always important to remember the number one rule when making the decision to drive while impaired: don't.