Talk. Text. Crash. Campaign

Distracted driving continues to be a problem in Texas and takes many forms. At a time when one in five crashes on Texas roads are caused by distracted driving, TxDOT’’s annual Talk, Text, Crash campaign is a crucial call-to-action encouraging drivers to keep their heads up and pay attention when behind the wheel.

All distractions – whether texting, eating, grooming or having a conversation – can be dangerous. Every driver and every passenger, regardless of age, can be impacted by distracted driving.

TxDOT is bolstering its commitment to traffic safety education with the introduction of a new web-based augmented reality (AR) game – “Dart Those Distractions.” The AR game will increase awareness about distracted driving in an interactive, engaging way and aims to help Texans develop positive driving habits. It’s a new take on the classic carnival game where balloons symbolize driving distractions and the player must pop all the balloons before being able to drive, serving as a reminder to always put away any distractions before hitting the road. The AR game can be played on any smartphone or tablet by visiting www.dartthosedistractions.com, or players can visit the website on a desktop computer to access the game through a QR code.

In 2019, the total number of crashes on Texas Roads were 561,582. Of those, 97,853 or 17.4%, involved distracted driving (driver distraction, inattention or cell phone use). The 97,853 distracted driving crashes in Texas resulted in 378 deaths and 2,500 serious injuries.

Effective Sept. 1, 2017, state law prohibits drivers from reading, writing or sending electronic messages on mobile phones while driving.

What is distracted driving?

Distracted driving is any activity that takes your attention away from driving. Distractions can include anything from texting and talking on a mobile phone to eating and drinking, putting on makeup, shaving, reading, programming a navigation system, watching a video and even adjusting the radio. 

What if I need to text or call someone immediately?

Research shows that regardless of whether you use a voice-to-text program, hands-free device or a handheld one, the distraction will affect your driving.

• Always give driving your full attention
• Pull off the road entirely and come to a stop before you talk or text
• Put your phone away, or turn it off, before getting behind the wheel
• Tell friends, family and coworkers you won’t respond to calls or texts when you are behind the wheel
  
• Use a smartphone app that sends auto-reply texts when you are behind the wheel
• Spread the word. Tell your friends and family about the dangers of distracted driving
  

Heads Up, Texas Campaign

TxDOT’s “Heads up, Texas” statewide public awareness campaign educates Texans on the dangers and risks of driving distracted while also raising awareness of statewide laws. The campaign addresses and discourages all forms of distracted driving when behind the wheel, with the overall goal of saving lives and reducing crashes.

Campaign activities include paid media, social media and earned media, Texas-based social media influencer programming, and community education and digital engagement via the original web-based AR game.

For more information, please dial (800) 558-9368, toll free, to automatically be connected to the local TxDOT office nearest you.

#EndTheStreakTX Campaign

The “Heads up, Texas” Distracted Driving campaign is a  key component of #EndTheStreakTX, a broader social media and word-of-mouth effort that encourages drivers to make safer choices while behind the wheel, like wearing a seatbelt, driving the speed limit, never texting and driving, and never driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. November 7, 2000 was the last deathless day on Texas roadways. #EndTheStreakTX asks all Texans to commit to driving safely to help end the streak of daily deaths on Texas roadways.