On September 7, I joined several City of Helotes Police Department officers, Texas Department of Transportation representatives, and Buck Russel – Helotes Planning and Zoning Commissioner to see “Pedals for Impaired/Distracted Driving,” a hands-on demonstration held at Helotes Marketplace. Participants learned how impaired and distracted driving can impact their reaction time and judgment by driving pedal go-karts and wearing impairment simulator goggles.

Our HPD officers, TxDOT partners, and Buck led participants through an obstacle course and provided information about the dangers and consequences of drinking alcohol and driving. While the demonstration was done in a fun and safe way, it also served as an important reminder to everyone not to drink and drive or get in a car with anyone who has been drinking. As a former director for Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), I have seen firsthand the immediate and long-term effects of losing innocent loved ones to drunk driving.

I want to thank HPD Officer Steve Ortiz, who leads the department’s community outreach programs, and all of the officers who participated in today’s demonstration. My thanks also go out to Buck Russell, who serves our community on the P&Z Commission and is a senior supervisor for public safety with Union Pacific Railroad.

I’m grateful to work with such outstanding community outreach, law enforcement, and safety partners who bring educational and potentially lifesaving programs to the City of Helotes.