SAN ANTONIO — One family is sharing their story, how they lost a loved one to a drunk driver. It is their hope that this story can help save a life. Their story comes as TxDOT launches it's "Drive Sober No Regrets" campaign.
TxDOT says last year there was an average of 65 alcohol-related crashes and three deaths every day on Texas roads. For Shenica and Charles Trammell, those numbers aren't just digits, but people. One in particular.
"Charles the Third was asked by his friend to go change her car tire. He went, not knowing that he would be hit by a drunk driver," said Shenica Trammell. On August 27th, 2022, 20 year-old Charles Trammell the Third, her son, was killed by a drunk driver in Dallas. Shenica told us, "The impact striking him and throwing him over 60 feet off the interstate bridge." Charles Trammell, Charles' father added, "The crash happened just three days before his 21st birthday. Charles life was just getting started. He was a senior at Texas Western University, where he played defensive tackle on a football team."
He had dreams of going to the NFL, and becoming a football coach. But those dreams, shattered in an instant. Shenica said, "He didn't get a chance to have kids or even get married, all because someone made a thoughtless choice to drink and drive."
The Trammell's are telling their story with the hopes of preventing other families from going through the pain they've had to endure. Charles told us, "Me and my family have struggled and with through pain. All because someone made a momentary decision. Have affected our life permanently. Please don't make that choice. Don't drink and drive." Shenica added, "If I could say one thing to anyone who is considering driving under the influence, please don't make that choice. Don't make a temporary decision that will affect someone else's lives permanently because you can't take it back."