SE Texas Times

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has recently kicked off its annual #EndTheStreakTX campaign, aiming to put an end to the alarming trend of daily fatalities on Texas roadways. Since November 7, 2000, at least one person has died every single day, with an average of ten deaths per day. TxDOT is calling on all Texans to join the effort to make roadways in Texas safe.

"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," says TxDOT. The statistics are staggering, with failure to stay in one lane, alcohol, and speed being the leading causes of fatalities. In 2018 alone, there were 3,641 lives lost, and there is one reportable crash every 58 seconds, with one person killed every 2 hours and 24 minutes.

To address this issue, TxDOT has allocated $600 million for safety improvements across Texas roadways over the next two years. These improvements include widening roads, adding rumble strips to alert drivers who veer out of their lane or off the road, reinforcing shoulders and select turn lanes, and deploying new technology to increase overall safety.

However, TxDOT emphasizes that Texans play a crucial role in putting an end to this deadly trend by adopting simple driving habits such as wearing seatbelts, driving within the speed limit, avoiding distractions, and never driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

State Representative Todd Hunter, who represents Aransas County and Nueces County, urges all Texans to join the effort and protect their families. He says, "Through this effort, we can hopefully cause a wave of commitment and a surge of support to end the trend in Texas."

The TxDOT #EndTheStreakTX campaign serves as a reminder to prioritize roadway safety and prevent further loss of lives. It is a call to action for all Texans to make a conscious effort to drive safely and responsibly. By working together, Texas can make significant progress in reducing fatalities on its roadways and make them safer for everyone.

For more information about the campaign, visit the #EndTheStreakTX website.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact State Representative Todd Hunter's Capitol or District Office.