Phones down, eyes up, Texas

AUSTIN – Whatever’s on the phone, it can’t be as important as what’s in front of you on the road. Pay attention behind the wheel — it can save a life.

Unfortunately, drivers sometimes forget their fellow Texans and drive distracted. The Estelle family in Tarrant County knows all too well how losing focus can lead to a deadly crash.

“The hardest thing a mother has to do is look at her children in coffins,” said Dee Davila-Estelle.

Davila-Estelle and husband Kevin Estelle were driving home with their family when a distracted driver on their phone hit them at 70 mph. Two of their three children died in the tragic—but preventable—crash.

The family is working with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to remind everyone to focus on the road and drive like a Texan: kind, courteous and safe.

The deadly reality of distracted driving

Distracted driving was the second-most common factor in Texas traffic crashes last year, contributing to more than 86,000. No matter how tempting it may be to reply to a text or scroll social media while driving, nothing is more important than your life and the lives of everyone else on the road.

Anything that takes your eyes off the road can be distracted driving, including changing a song, adjusting navigation or eating.

“When you’re behind the wheel, you should be completely focused on just one thing: driving,” said TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams. “Road hazards and obstacles require quick thinking and reaction time, and just a few seconds can be the difference between life and death. I promise that text message or bite of food can wait.”

What TxDOT is doing

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month and TxDOT is reminding Texans to always stay focused on the road when driving. The agency is reaching out through commercials, billboards and a mobile exhibit featuring a driving simulator that brings the dangers of distracted driving to life.

The goal is to educate Texans not only on the dangers of distracted driving, but also on distracted driving laws. When it comes to texting behind the wheel, Texas law is clear: Anyone caught reading, writing or sending a text while driving faces a fine of up to $200.

Avoid distractions with these simple steps

• Stay focused – Keep both hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road.
• Stash your phone – Put your phone out of reach while driving. Use your phone’s settings to block texts or calls until you arrive at your destination.
• Pull over – If you must send a message, make a call or do anything else that might distract you, come to a complete stop in a safe place first.

Talk. Text. Crash. 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.