When you think of Spring Break, what comes to mind? Fun. Sun. Partying college kids.

It’s that last thought that is troublesome to authorities. For Texas officials and truck accident lawyers like Kirkendall Dwyer LLP, Spring Break can also mean alcohol at the parties that thousands of college students attend, which leads to an increased number of auto accidents for the time period.

Earlier this month, the Texas Department of Transportation launched a campaign, “DWI Hangovers Don’t Go Away.” The initiative is designed to combat the increase of DUI-related car accidents, injuries and subsequent deaths for young adults on Spring Break. During Spring Break in 2013, Texas had a 23 percent increase from 2012 in DUI-related deaths.

A Segway campaign team sponsored by the Department of Transportation had rallies scheduled for the South by Southwest music festival in Austin and the St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Greenville Ave. in Dallas. The team handed out pamphlets and other materials designed to educate about the dangers of drinking and driving.

In 2013, there were 25,158 alcohol-fueled car wrecks, with 8,702 serious injuries and 1,022 fatalities. Of that number, nearly 60 percent involved drivers between the ages of 17 and 34 — which includes the prime age for Spring Breakers. The aftermath of such accidents often need the expertise of truck or car accident lawyers, who are familiar with the factors that are involved in car wrecks. These attorneys are able to help their clients map out a plan to handle the issue.

The “DWI Hangovers Don’t Go Away” campaign runs through the end of March. For college students — or anyone on vacation — who want to enjoy Spring Break, having a designated driver or deciding not to drink and drive can be the difference between life and death.