The Texas Department of Transportation is partnering with law enforcement agencies across the state to enforce speed limits during Operation Slowdown, which began Tuesday and will run until June 21.
TxDOT is kicking off its statewide “Be Safe. Drive Smart.” speeding prevention campaign in order to remind motorists that driving too fast can not only be dangerous but also expensive.
According to TxDOT, speeding is the number one cause of traffic crashes in Texas. Last year, speeding led to over 163,000 crashes and resulted in 1,532 deaths.
That’s an average of four people killed daily as a result of speed-related incidents.
During this two week period, law enforcement will be writing citations and will spend extra time driving the roads as a means to remind motorists what safe speed looks like.
“Speed is the number one factor in roadway crashes in our state, causing 1 out of every 3 traffic deaths,” TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams said in a news release. “When you speed, you increase the risk of death and serious injury in a collision. By observing the speed limit and driving to specific weather and road conditions, Texans can make our roads safer for everyone.”
TxDOT has provided motorists safety tips to follow, including matching one’s speed to road conditions, whether it’s due to bad weather or driving through a work zone, slowing down to allow more distance to stop during heavy traffic and watching for signs asking motorists to reduce speed ahead.
Texans can expect the campaign’s messages on TV, radio, billboards, social media and more, as well as at community events featuring interactive exhibits of safety quizzes, which will be held at Buc-ee’s locations across Texas.
TxDOT’s Highway Emergency Response Operator trucks, a patrol service program that clear minor crashes from area roadways and also assist motorists in need, have also been enlisted to prompt speeding drivers to slow down.
This campaign is a key component to a broader social media effort known as #EndTheStreakTX which encourages drivers to make safer choices when behind the wheel, such as wearing seat belts, driving the speed limit, never texting and driving and never driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
According to TxDOT, November 7, 2000, was the last deathless day on Texas roadways.
It asks all Texans to commit to driving safely in order to help end the streak of daily deaths.
