With 1 in 5 traffic crashes in Texas now caused by the growing problem of distracted driving, TxDOT’s annual Talk, Text, Crash campaign is aimed at raising awareness of the dangers associated with distracted driving and encouraging Texans to put away their cell phones while driving. 

In 2016, there were 109,658 traffic crashes in Texas involving distracted driving—up 3 percent over 2015.  More than 3,000 people were seriously injured as a result, and 455 died. These crashes were highest among new and younger drivers ages 16 to 34. TxDOT is asking all drivers to always keep their eyes and attention on the road and avoid distractions of any kind.

What is distracted driving?

Distracted driving is any activity that could divert a person’s attention away from the primary task of driving. All distractions endanger driver, passenger, and bystander safety. While mobile phone use is the most recognizable driving distraction, TxDOT also urges drivers to avoid the following high-risk behind-the-wheel activities:

• Posting to social media
• Checking email
• Eating
• Grooming
• Reading
• Programming a navigation system
• Watching a video
• Adjusting a radio, CD player, or MP3 player

What are ways to end distracted driving?

The best way to end distracted driving is to educate all Texans about the danger it poses. Any type of behavior that draws a motorist’s attention away from driving is dangerous. Some simple tips to end distracted driving include:

• Always give driving your full attention.
• Put your phone away—or turn it off—before you get behind the wheel.
• Pull off the road to a safe location before talking on the phone or texting.
• Tell friends, family, and coworkers you won’t respond to calls or texts when driving.
• Use a smartphone app that sends auto-reply texts when you’re behind the wheel.
• Spread the word. Tell your friends and family about the dangers of distracted driving.

Remember: you talk, you text, you crash.