Texas Department of Transportation Hopes to End the Streak of Traffic Deaths

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is starting a campaign to end the streak of deaths on Texas roadways. According to TxDOT, the last deathless day in Texas occurred on November 7, 2000 – sixteen years ago.

#EndTheStreakTX Invites Public to Share Personal Stories

According to TxDOT, since the last deathless day on Texas roadways, 55,578 people have died in motor vehicle crashes. The leading cause of these deaths include failure to stay in one lane, alcohol, and speed.

The #EndTheStreakTX social media campaign hopes to reach out to drivers and remind them of the basics of staying safe on the roadways, including obeying traffic laws, staying alert, and being responsible while behind the wheel.

Through the hashtag, TxDOT hopes to hear from families and friends affected by car crash fatalities in the state of Texas by posting photo and video testimonials. In addition, TxDOT asks people to change their social media profile pictures to raise awareness and show public support to ending the streak of roadway fatalities.

How to #EndTheStreakTX

TxDOT wants to remind drivers to do the following to stay as safe as possible on Texas roads:

• All passengers (and the driver) need to be properly restrained with seatbelts.
  • Also: children should be restrained in the proper car seat or booster seat.
• Avoid distractions, including your phone or other devices – pay attention to the road.
• Never drink and drive. Find a sober ride home with a friend, family, taxi, or ride sharing service.
• Obey the speed limit and drive slower in poor weather conditions or in highly-trafficked pedestrian areas (especially school zones).

Texas Motor Vehicle Traffic Crash Statistics

The following information regarding motor vehicle traffic crashes in Texas in 2014 is provided by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT):

• In 2014, a total of 3,534 people died on Texas roadways – an increase of 3.7% from 2013.
• 17,152 sustained serious injuries in crashes in 2014.
• Based on reportable crashes in 2014:
  • One person died every 2 hours and 29 minutes.
  • A person sustained an injury every 2 minutes and 13 seconds.
  • A crash occurred every 66 seconds.
• 1,041 people died in motor vehicle traffic crashes where a driver was under the influence of alcohol.
  • This represents 29 percent of the total number of traffic fatalities in 2014.