Good morning producers and editors. Just a reminder about today's AAA and MADD SXSW safety press conference at 10 a.m. (media advisory link below). Also attached are photos of Eddie Jimenez's son, who was killed by an impaired driver. Jimenez will share his story. AAA and MADD will offer important safety reminders about impaired driving prevention as well as tips for using autonomous rideshare vehicles. Immediately after the press conference, AAA will also be available to speak about rising gas prices.
Media Advisory for Press Conference
B-Roll: Autonomous Vehicles Driving Through Austin
As the South by Southwest (SXSW) Festival returns March 12–18, AAA Texas and MADD are urging festival visitors and residents to plan ahead and choose a sober ride home. With more than a week of concerts, panels, film premieres, and nightlife throughout downtown, the influx of visitors, late‑night traffic and increased demand for transportation increase the risk of impaired‑driving crashes.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), about 34 people die every day in alcohol‑impaired crashes in the United States — one every 42 minutes. In 2023 alone, 12,429 people lost their lives in alcohol‑impaired crashes nationwide. Texas continues to face staggering losses. In 2024, 1,053 Texans died and 2,245 were seriously injured in crashes involving an impaired driver.
AAA Texas also warns that impaired driving is not limited to alcohol. Driving under the influence of prescription drugs, illicit drugs, over‑the‑counter medications, or marijuana is equally dangerous, slowing judgment, coordination, and reaction times. Using alcohol together with marijuana is becoming more common on our roads, with 28% of fatal and serious injury crashes involving both substances, according to the Texas Impaired Driving Task Force. Combined substance use while driving leads to significantly greater impairment and a 25% increased crash risk.
Eddie Jimenez knows the pain of losing a loved one to an impaired driving crash. On a summer day in August 2006, Jimenez took his sons and their friends to get snacks at a gas station after a day at a community pool. As they were driving home a 21-year-old woman who had been day drinking crashed into their car killing Jimenez’s 7-year-old son Matthew and a 14-year-old friend. Jimenez was also seriously injured and learned about the boys’ passing while in the emergency room before he had to undergo surgery.
“It's hard even to this day. And, sharing my story, I relive it. I see everything. I feel everything, said Jimenez. “I didn't get to tell him I love you in that moment, but for the rest of my life, I want him to know.”
Beyond the human toll, impaired driving takes a financial toll as well. AAA Texas research shows a first‑time DWI in Texas can cost more than $20,000 in legal fees, fines, increased insurance premiums, and court‑mandated programs.
“SXSW is an incredible time in Austin, but it also means more danger on our roads,” said AAA Texas Corporate Communications Manager Doug Shupe. “No celebration is worth a life. With so many safe ride options, please—don’t drive impaired. Make a plan, choose a sober ride, and help protect the lives of families and friends across Central Texas.”
Autonomous or Self-driving Rideshare Vehicles Offer a New Option at SXSW
Autonomous vehicle (AV) rideshare services are expanding nationwide and in Texas. Before service launches in a new area, companies map roadways extensively, allowing vehicles to understand street layouts, traffic patterns, curves, intersections, and expected driving behaviors. This mapping process improves safety by giving AVs environmental foresight beyond real‑time sensor data.
Austin is among the U.S. cities where autonomous ride services are now available through select platforms.
Quick Tips for Using an Autonomous Ride During SXSW
Before You Book
- Know the service rules. Each company has different policies (seatbelts, food, pets, stops, etc.).
- Choose well‑lit, clearly identifiable pickup locations.
- Allow extra time — AVs prioritize caution over speed.
Before the Car Arrives
- Check the app for specific guidance on where to stand, when to approach the vehicle and how to unlock the doors.
- The AV will identify a safe pickup location and may stop for pickup at a location that is a bit off from the user’s exact location.
During Pickup
- Confirm the vehicle shown in your app matches the arriving car.
- Wait for the system’s “safe to enter” signal before opening the door.
Inside the Vehicle
- Buckle up immediately — some AVs will not move until all belts are fastened.
- Expect conservative driving: earlier braking, full legal stops, slower acceleration.
- Do not distract the system. Avoid blocking sensors or interactive displays.
Drop Off
- The AV will drop you off at the safest spot closest to your destination.
- Check the app for instructions on when to exit the vehicle.
- Ensure the doors are closed completely after the ride so the AV can continue to its next ride.
If Something Feels Off
- Use in‑app support or emergency features to request assistance.
- If necessary, request the car to pull over at a safe location.
The Most Devastating Cost: Lost Lives
While legal, financial, and personal penalties for impaired driving are severe, the most tragic consequence is irreversible: the loss of life. Families, friends, and communities suffer the lifelong impact of impaired driving crashes that are entirely preventable.
AAA Texas urges everyone attending SXSW to plan a sober ride before the celebrations begin, explore alternative transportation options, and help make Austin’s streets safer for all during one of the city’s busiest weeks of the year.