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TxDOT shows testimonial video, pushes 'Drive like a Texan' safety campaign to San Patricio commissioners
Summary
Renee Zavala, TxDOT area engineer, presented a safety outreach campaign and played a testimonial from David Elizalde about his daughter’s death in an alcohol-related crash; Zavala highlighted engineering changes and behavior steps (seat belts, avoid impairment, limit phone use) the agency is promoting.
Renee Zavala, area engineer for the Texas Department of Transportation, told San Patricio County commissioners that TxDOT’s new outreach — “Drive like a Texan” — pairs engineering projects with public education to reduce deadly crashes.
Zavala opened with a testimonial video from David Elizalde, whose daughter Andrea died in a 2019 crash he said involved alcohol and young drivers. “My daughter is Andrea Elizalde. On 04/21/2019, her life was taken,” Elizalde said in the presentation, describing the suddenness of the crash and urging young people not to get in vehicles with drivers who had been drinking.
Why it matters: Zavala said Texas has not recorded a “deathless day” on state roadways since 11/07/2000 and cited a recent statistic that a substantial share of traffic fatalities involved impaired drivers. She described a two-part approach: change driver behavior (buckle up, don’t drive impaired or distracted) and update roadway engineering to reduce crash risk.
Details from the presentation: Zavala highlighted engineering measures TxDOT is deploying — rumble strips (transverse and longitudinal), LED chevrons and driver-feedback signs — and encouraged simple safety steps such as wearing seat belts and putting cell phones on silent. She said the agency aims to minimize water use in operations and emphasized outreach materials and testimonials posted on TxDOT’s website.
Elizalde’s account: In his on-screen remarks, David Elizalde recounted family activity that day and the shock of learning his daughter had been seriously injured and later died after a high-speed crash. He appealed directly to parents and young drivers: “It’s not okay to drink and drive,” he said, urging bystanders to intervene and call for help.
Reaction and next steps: Commissioners thanked Zavala and TxDOT for the presentation; no formal court action was required. Zavala directed commissioners to TxDOT’s public materials for additional testimonials and materials for local outreach.
The county did not vote on any measures tied to the presentation; the meeting moved on to other agenda items.
