DALLAS — April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and the Texas Department of Transportation is using this time to urge people to pay attention on the road, as it was the reason for one out of every six crashes on Texas roads last year.
TXDOT numbers show more than 2,000 people have died since 2017 because of people not paying attention on the road.
And the percentage of distracted driving deaths jumped by 10% in 2022.
And it's not just dangerous – it's a crime.
In September of 2017, it became illegal to read, write or send a text while driving in Texas – and you could be fined up to $200 for doing it.
Distracted driving crashes are 100% preventable; it’s just a matter of choice.
So, changing the song to hear your favorite one... a text to your boo... a bite out of something you've been waiting all day for... or a work email – whatever it is can always wait.
But that doesn't mean it's easy to do. So here are some tips to help you follow through:
- You can always turn your phone off, or use a setting or app to block texts and calls while you drive.
- If it truly can't wait, you can pull off the road and come to a stop before you use your phone.
- And if you're that hungry – stop to eat and drink while parked, before putting it in drive.
We haven't had a deathless day on Texas roads in 23 years, so we should all do our part to bring those numbers down.
As always, if you have a traffic concern in your area, you can email us here.