Distracted driving continues to be a problem in Texas as data indicates that drivers are not changing their behaviors. With 1 in 5 crashes involving distracted driving – a ratio that has not changed in the past three years – 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 cellphones while driving.
In 2017, the total number of reportable motor vehicle traffic crashes on Texas roads was 537,475. Of those, 100,687 or 19% involved distracted driving (driver distraction, inattention or cellphone use). The 100,687 crashes in Texas resulted in 444 deaths and 2,889 serious injuries.
As of Sept. 1, 2017, a new statewide law makes it illegal for all drivers to read, write or send a text and drive in Texas. Law enforcement officers are looking for drivers with their heads down distracted by their phones, leading TxDOT to launch its new “Heads up, Texas” campaign.
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?
Remember, distracted driving of any kind is dangerous. If you must talk or text, pull over to a safe location.
TxDOT Partners with AT&T It Can Wait
The new campaign includes AT&T It Can Wait, the corporate leader in addressing distracted driving tied to smartphones nationwide, as a key partner. AT&T It Can Wait’s newly released data on Texans’ attitudes towards smartphone usage while driving indicates that the risky behavior is more pervasive with nearly 9 out of 10 (89%) admitting they do it.
TxDOT and AT&T It Can Wait will also bring a distracted driving virtual reality experience to Texas for the first time to educate Texans at a very local level on the new law and dangers of distracted driving. The tour will launch in Dallas on Tuesday, April 3 then continue on to 19 cities in Texas. For more information, please dial (800) 558-9368, toll free, to automatically be connected to the local TxDOT District office nearest you.
Date | City |
Wednesday, April 4, 2018 | Waco |
Thursday April 5, 2018 | Austin |
Friday, April 6, 2018 | San Antonio |
Monday, April 9, 2018 | Laredo |
Wednesday, April 11, 2018 | Edinburg |
Friday, April 13, 2018 | Corpus Christi |
Sunday, April 15, 2018 | Bryan |
Monday, April 16, 2018 | Houston |
Tuesday, April 17, 2018 | Nacogdoches |
Wednesday, April 18, 2018 | Tyler |
Thursday, April 19, 2018 | Sulphur Springs |
Friday, April 20, 2018 | Wichita Falls |
Sunday, April 22, 2018 | Lubbock |
Monday, April 23, 2018 | Amarillo |
Wednesday, April 25, 2018 | Abilene |
Thursday, April 26, 2018 | San Angelo |
Sunday, April 29, 2018 | El Paso |
Tuesday, May 1, 2018 | Midland |
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