I would like to draw attention to a very important topic we face in Texas, which is roadway safety. Since November 7, 2000, at least one person has died every single day, with an average of ten deaths every day. As a result, The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) recently launched the annual #EndTheStreakTX campaign. During this campaign, TxDOT asks all Texans to join the effort to end the deadly 23-year streak on roadways in Texas. The Texas Transportation Commission has set a goal aiming to end all fatalities on Texas roads by 2050, with an interim goal to reduce them by half by 2035. I hope we can work together to end this deadly trend to make all roadways in Texas safe.
The leading cause of fatalities continue to be failure to stay in one lane, alcohol, and speed. November 7, 2000, was the last deathless day on Texas Roadways with fatalities resulting from vehicle crashes around 67,000. In 2018 alone, there were 3,641 lives lost. Furthermore, there is one reportable crash every 58 seconds, and one person killed every 2 hours and 24 minutes. These staggering statistics should serve as a reminder to drive safely and avoid distractions while driving.
Additionally, TxDOT will dedicate $600 million for safety improvements across Texas roadways over the next two years. This includes widening some roads and adding rumble strips that alert drivers if they are veering out of their lane or off the road. Also, TxDOT will reinforce shoulders and select turn lanes, and deploy new technology that will increase safety on the entire roadway system. However, Texans play a major role in ending the deadly trend by changing simple driving habits, such as, wearing seatbelts, driving the speed limit, putting away the phone and other distractions, and never driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
I encourage all Texans to join the effort to end this steak to protect our families. To learn more about the annual #EndTheStreakTX campaign. Through this effort we can hopefully cause a wave of commitment and a surge of support to end the trend in Texas.
If you have questions regarding any of the information mentioned in this week’s article, please do not hesitate to call my Capitol or District Office. Please always feel free to contact my office if you have any questions or issues regarding a Texas state agency, or if you would like to contact my office regarding constituent services. As always, my offices are available at any time to assist with questions, concerns, or comments (Capitol Office, 512-463-0672; District Office, 361-949-4603).
– State Representative Todd Hunter, District 32
Rep. Hunter represents Aransas County and Nueces County (Part). He can be contacted at todd.hunter@house.texas.gov or at 512-463-0672
