Frisco mother collaborates with TxDOT to raise awareness about the risks of impaired driving.

In the heart of Frisco, Texas, a mother continues to grapple with profound loss as she honors the memory of her daughter who tragically lost her life in a DUI-related accident. Sue Beatty’s relationship with her daughter, Carly, was characterized by a close-knit bond, nurtured through shared routines and memorable moments, which were abruptly shattered in September 2019.

Carly Beatty, a vibrant 19-year-old, was pursuing her dream of becoming a veterinarian when she became a victim of impaired driving. The accident occurred when Carly was struck by an impaired driver who, according to investigations, had a cocktail of substances, including alcohol and drugs, in his system. The incident resulted in severe injuries for Carly, including a pelvic fracture and critical head trauma, leading to her eventual death on September 21, 2019, shortly after her arrival at a Houston hospital.

Following the loss, Sue Beatty has channeled her grief into activism, determined to raise awareness about the dangers of impaired driving. Collaborating with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), she has become a prominent figure in the campaign titled “Drive Sober. No Regrets,” which aims to prevent such tragedies. Sue’s mission is clear: she wants to ensure that Carly’s story not only serves to commemorate her life but also to educate others about the fatal consequences of driving under the influence.

In her advocacy, Sue highlights the lesser-known aspects of impaired driving, emphasizing that it includes not just alcohol, but also prescription medications and other common substances. This message is particularly salient considering the alarming statistics; TxDOT reported that in 2022, 1,254 individuals lost their lives on Texas roads due to impaired driving, translating to an average of three fatalities per day. Between 2019 and 2024, the regions encompassing Collin, Dallas, Denton, and Tarrant counties alone witnessed nearly 2,000 impaired driving fatalities.

Sue’s efforts extend beyond awareness; they are heartfelt pleas for responsibility. She aims to convey that every impaired driving incident stems from a choice—the choice to drive while impaired. As she prepares to attend the parole hearing for the individual responsible for Carly’s death, she remains committed to advocating for stricter consequences for impaired drivers.

Through her advocacy, Beatty seeks not only to honor her daughter’s legacy but to prevent future tragedies. Her determination is encapsulated in her yearning for a future where impaired driving does not result in senseless loss. Ultimately, through education and outreach, she hopes to instill a vital understanding of the responsibilities that come with driving and the devastating impacts of impaired choices.

Sue Beatty’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the potential consequences of impaired driving, reinforcing the notion that vigilance and responsibility are paramount for all drivers.