Texas streak nears tragic 25 years of daily deaths
Local high school students help spread message about safe driving |
| ATLANTA – Every single day for almost 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 near 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. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is asking everyone to help #EndTheStreakTX of daily deaths. In the Atlanta District in 2024, there were over 6,100 traffic crashes, resulting in 82 fatalities and 330 serious injuries. The Atlanta District includes Bowie, Camp, Cass, Harrison, Marion, Morris, Panola, Titus and Upshur counties. To honor the 82 lives lost in our area, TxDOT’s Atlanta District is hosting a visual, memorial display through this Friday to represent the lives lost in 2024. The district is also partnering with Atlanta High School, whose students submitted a powerful video emphasizing the importance of safe driving. Some students and the instructor from Atlanta High School’s media program were on hand to speak along with TxDOT Atlanta District representatives. “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.” Law enforcement partnership TxDOT and the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) are also 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.” Engineering safety It’s not just a saying — safety is truly TxDOT’s top priority. TxDOT currently has $60 billion worth of active construction projects across the state and every single one has a safety component. TxDOT is also using the latest technology to improve safety. This includes building innovative intersections, implementing new safe design strategies and harnessing artificial intelligence to prevent crashes. What you can do 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:
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. Link to video and soundbites from the Atlanta High students & teacher at attendance at our #EndthestreakTX event in Atlanta. The school produced this video to highlight the dangers of drinking and driving #EndTheStreakTX is an important part of TxDOT’s Drive like a Texan: Kind. Courteous. Safe. initiative. Drive like a Texan is about embracing the pride, camaraderie and responsibility of being a Texan on the road. By making thoughtful choices, we can all help keep each other safe. Learn more at DriveLikeATexan.com. Follow TxDOT’s Atlanta District on Facebook @txdotAtlantaTX, Instagram @txdotAtlanta, Nextdoor and X @txdotAtlanta.
The Texas Department of Transportation is responsible for maintaining 80,000 miles of road and for supporting aviation, maritime, rail and public transportation across the state. Connecting You with Texas
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