Distracted driving kills hundreds statewide

The Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) urges drivers to put away their cell phones, avoid distractions and give their full attention to the road.

Throughout April, TXDOT will host its annual “Talk, Text, Crash” campaign.

TXDOT hopes this campaign will reach more people and reduce the number of crashes since there were more than 100,000 statewide traffic crashes involving distracted driving each year.

“Last year, driver distractions killed 463 Texans and seriously injured another 3,076 Texans,” said Texas Transportation Commissioner Jeff Moseley. “Texans are dying on our roads simply because some drivers cannot wait until they’re stopped to check their email or make a phone call. That one text, post or phone call is not worth injuring or killing yourself, or someone else.”

Texas had 103,576 traffic crashes related to distraction in 2015, which was an increase of 3 percent from 2014. Distracted driving-related crashed are highest among the younger drivers ages 16 to 34.

The “Talk, Text, Crash” campaign reminds drivers to wait until later to talk or text. While mobile phone use is the most recognized 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 other audio devices

Any type of behavior that draws a driver’s attention away from the road is dangerous.