Last night, Texans gathered at the Texas State Capitol to mark 25 years since the last deathless day on Texas roads. DPS and @txdot are also relaunching an initiative to help #endthestreaktx — having DPS Troopers pass out safe driving tip cards to drivers who receive warnings for traffic violations across the state.
Every single day for the past quarter century, a mother, father, son or daughter has died in a crash in Texas. There are many wonderful things Texas is known for, but the 25-year streak of daily deaths is one thing we need to change – and we can’t do it alone. Nov. 7, 2000, was the last deathless day on Texas roads, and since then the state has lost more than 91,000 people in traffic crashes. None of us wants our great state to be known for this deadly streak. So, on this tragic anniversary, TxDOT is asking everyone to help #EndTheStreakTX of daily deaths. “It’s devastating thinking of all the families and communities that have lost loved ones in the last 25 years,” TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams said. “It’s time to end this deadly streak, but it’ll take all of us to do it. We can engineer improvements. Law enforcement can patrol roads. And everyone needs to drive like a Texan: kind, courteous, and safe, to prevent crashes.” TxDOT and the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) are working together to share safe driving messages. During traffic stops for the next two weeks, DPS troopers will hand out a tip card listing safe driving behaviors that reflect the top causes of crashes. “Through engineering and collaboration with law enforcement, we’re working to improve safety,” Texas Transportation Commission acting chair Alvin New said. “Education and innovation can help, but it’s the everyday choices people make—driving safely and buckling up—that will truly end the streak.” Ending the streak will require every single driver to consistently make safe decisions every time they get behind the wheel. Most crashes can be prevented if drivers:
- Drive safe speeds
- Buckle up
- Get a sober ride
- Avoid distractions
- Move over or slow down for vehicles with flashing lights on the side of the road
We all want to get to our destination safely. If everyone remembers who they are as Texans behind the wheel and drive kind, courteous and safe, then we can save lives.
