San Antonio, Texas – A Texas mother is facing a long list of charges after deputies say she drove drunk with six unrestrained children in her Ford Explorer, veered off a major roadway, and slammed into a pole — leaving one child in critical condition. Investigators later learned she was already scheduled to appear in court this week for a previous crash.
The incident unfolded Friday afternoon and has raised fresh concerns about repeat impaired driving, child safety, and road-risk behavior involving unrestrained minors.
Deputies Say the SUV Was Going More Than 20 MPH Over the Limit
Around 1:40 p.m., 31-year-old Brittany Winston was traveling with her six children, ages 2 to 12, along Binz-Engleman Road on San Antonio’s east side. According to an incident report cited by the San Antonio Express-News, the Ford Explorer drifted off the roadway at a “high rate of speed” before crashing into a roadside pole.
Responding deputies found the SUV “heavily damaged” and multiple children injured both inside and outside the vehicle. Winston and all six children were transported to a nearby hospital.
One Child in Critical Condition, Others Released
By Monday, authorities said an 11-year-old girl remained in critical condition. Winston and the remaining children did not suffer life-threatening injuries and were released after treatment. The Bexar County Sheriff’s Office said the investigation remains ongoing as detectives work to determine the full sequence of events leading to the crash.
No One Was Wearing a Seat Belt, Investigators Say
A key finding stunned investigators.
“Forensic data later confirmed the vehicle was speeding over 20 mph in a 45 mph zone, and no occupants were wearing seat belts,” the sheriff’s office reported.
Deputies also noted that Winston showed visible signs of intoxication at the scene.
Hospital staff later advised that her blood alcohol level exceeded the legal limit, and she tested positive for controlled substances. Authorities have not yet specified which substances were detected.
Fourteen Charges Filed, Including Injury to a Child
Winston now faces a total of 14 charges, including:
- Two counts of intoxication assault with a vehicle
- Six counts of injury to a child
- Six counts of aggravated assault causing serious bodily injury
She is being held on a $600,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on February 25.
She Was Already Expected in Court for a Previous Crash
Local reporting revealed that Winston had prior legal issues involving vehicle crashes. According to the Express-News, she was already due in court on Tuesday in connection with a November 2024 collision.
Her driving history also shows that her license was revoked or suspended in 2013, although it was later reinstated.
Seat Belt Compliance and Child Safety Remain Major Concerns
Texas law requires all occupants — particularly children — to be secured with seat belts or proper child restraints. Road-safety experts frequently warn that unrestrained children face significantly higher risks of fatal or severe injuries in crashes, even at moderate speeds.
Incidents involving impaired driving and unrestrained minors continue to be a leading cause of preventable child injuries. Law enforcement agencies regularly urge parents and guardians to double-check restraints before every trip, regardless of distance.
Community Reaction and Ongoing Investigation
This case has drawn attention in San Antonio due to the combination of repeat crashes, alleged intoxication, and the number of children affected. Investigators say more information will be released as forensic reviews and interviews continue.
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