TxDOT Urging Drivers To 'End The Streak' Of Roadway Fatalities

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NORTH TEXAS (CBSDFW.COM) - Today marks a grim anniversary for the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and drivers in the Lone Star State.

"It's been 16 years since we've had a fatality-free day on Texas roadways," explained TxDOT spokesperson Jodi Hodges. That means at least one person has died every day on Texas roads since November 7, 2000.

The top two reasons for motor vehicle-related fatalities in Texas are driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs and not using seatbelts. Hodges said, "The third is distracted driving. Folks are still driving while they're texting or on the phone, they've got their lunch their trying to juggle with while they're driving and things happen in a split second and we need folks to be able to respond to that."

To shine light on the pattern, last year TxDOT began an aggressive social media campaign called 'End The Streak'. The effort is meant to educate drivers on how to take responsibility and help prevent the daily deaths.

TxDOT put together a public service announcement about the streak.

"We're gonna be issuing another challenge on End The Streak on our Facebook and Twitter accounts and we encourage everyone to share that information with everyone they know and love," Hodges said.

Officials with TxDOT say safe driving only requires a few simple steps:

• Buckle up – all passengers need to be wearing a seatbelt.
• Never drink and drive – drunk driving kills; get a sober ride home.
• Pay attention – put your phone away and avoid distractions.
• Drive the speed limit – always follow speed limits and drive slower speeds when weather or conditions warrant.

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• Fatal Crash