It’s football season and that means the college and professional games are underway, much to every Texas football fan’s delight!

What Texas DWI lawyers know is that it also means it’s tailgating season, too.

Tailgating, practically a sport all its own, makes football games that much more fun for all; however, it’s essential that it be done safely and legally.

Keep your tailgating safe and festive without running into problems by following the drinking, driving, and partying recommendations of experienced DWI attorneys!

Game-Day Drinking Is A Tailgating Problem in Texas

Drinking tends to be a big part of pre-game tailgating, with alcohol consumption increasing an estimated 45% on game day in Texas.

As lawyers who defend clients charged with drunk driving can attest, this is the source of a number of game-day legal problems for those consuming alcohol at tailgating parties including:

  • Underage Drinking - Common at college games, where many students are underage but wish to partake in the festivities with their older classmates.

  • Drinking and Driving - Many people begin drinking during tailgating and continue throughout the game, then attempt to drive home after consuming large amounts of alcohol.

  • Increased Alcohol-Related Crimes and Injuries - Research suggests that game day drinking in Texas, especially during tailgating at college games, results in a 13% higher rate of DWI arrests, over 1,400 DWI-related crashes, and 40 fatalities, all above and beyond the average statistics on non-game days. 

Keep Your Tailgating Safe and Legal

The best way to enjoy your tailgating without risking yours and everyone else’s safety or the serious fines and penalties that can come with DWI conviction, lawyers who handle DWI-related charges recommend the following tips:

  • Keep Track of Your Drinking - Know how much alcohol you’re actually consuming because it can catch up to you quickly when you’re having fun.

  • Arrange A Ride Home - Avoid a DWI as well the possibility of hurting yourself or someone else by pre-arranging either a designated driver for your group or your own ride home so you can enjoy your beverages without the risk.

  • Cut Yourself Off - Drink in moderation and stop drinking before halftime to give your body enough time to process the alcohol before it’s time to drive home.

  • Non-Alcoholic Options - If you’re hosting the tailgate party, offer some non-alcoholic choices for those in your group who have to drive home or want to keep it on the safe side.

Take Game-Day Drinking Seriously in Texas.

Alcohol consumption during tailgating festivities is a leading cause of game-day DWIs, drunk driving crashes, and other alcohol-related crimes and events.

DWI attorneys understand how passionate Texans are about the game, especially college games, yet stress that the effects as well as the penalties of DWI are significant and very real.

Have a good time tailgating but stay safe by avoiding driving while intoxicated so you make it home and to the next game!

Reynaldo Garza, III

Downtown Brownsville
Principal Office
680 East St. Charles St, Suite 600
Brownsville TX 78520
956-300-2260