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The risk and danger created by people who have had too much to drink and make the decision to get behind the wheel is not a new challenge for El Paso. And as El Pasoans go out and celebrate the holidays over the next week, we know that this risk will only grow. Many El Pasoans have shared with me that they are concerned about what seems like a growing problem with DWIs and would like to see leaders take action, so I recently convened a meeting with key stakeholders to create a plan that is responsive to the public outcry. 

When someone gets behind the wheel and makes the decision to drive while under the influence, they risk losing their job, their license, their vehicle, and their freedom if they are arrested and spend one or more nights in jail. But, most importantly, they also risk taking someone else's life and causing innocent people grave harm.

This was top of mind during the roundtable meeting, which included El Paso leaders from local and state government, Fort Bliss leadership, law enforcement, business owners, and more. After our meeting, we briefed the public in a press conference.

During the roundtable, our conversation focused on the data and potential solutions. We learned that while drunk driving arrests and fatalities have remain relatively consistent the last few years, law enforcement is unfortunately seeing many repeat offenders. El Paso’s Police Chief Peter Pacillas shared that over the past three years, there have been over 4,700 DWI arrests (with almost 800 of those arrested being repeat offenders), over 1,400 alcohol-related accidents, and almost 70 deaths. Those numbers are unacceptable.

We also learned that while there are many opportunities for people to access free rides home through ride-shares available to those who are out and have had too much to drink, unfortunately many El Pasoans are not taking advantage of those opportunities. Just last week, we launched a new webpage aimed at preventing DWIs and promoting responsible celebrations during the holiday season.

There were a number of ideas floated on how to begin tackling this issue, and the roundtable I hosted will be the first of many other meetings to discuss how we can work as a community to end drunk driving. This issue cannot and will not be solved with one meeting, but will take a concerted effort from the public and private sector. But I’m grateful to everyone who is committed to ensuring we do everything possible to help make our community safer.

Please help ensure that your friends and loved ones understand that driving under the influence is completely avoidable. This is especially important during the holiday season when many in our community are out celebrating. Help us spread the word that El Pasoans have options. In addition to the webpage that was recently launched, we’re also in talks with the City about what other measures we can take, such as implementing a “no-towing” rule on weekends so drivers can use a rideshare app without fear of having the vehicles the left behind towed away.

As we continue working on solutions, please know that we will share the information with you so that you can help us spread the word. And if you have ideas or suggestions you’d like us to consider, please send those along as well. Our community is very good at supporting each other and working together. And this issue will be no different.