DALLAS — If TXDOT could have a special wish for Christmas in July, they would ask all drivers to slow down!
The government agency responsible for the state's highways said speed is still the top factor in car crashes in Texas.
That's why the department is partnering with law enforcement on the "Be safe. Drive smart.” campaign.
TXDOT data from last year shows a third of the people killed on the road were in a crash that involved speed.
That's more than 14,000 lives that were lost because of people driving too fast.
The department wants you to consider something you hear me say often – give yourself time to get to your destination without speeding!
A department spokesperson says it clearly - arriving alive is more important than arriving on time.
This month’s awareness campaign goes hand in hand with operation slowdown, a statewide speed enforcement initiative.
From now through the end of the month, you will see more police on the roads trying to get you to either slow down or pay the price.
Aside from following the posted speed limit, TXDOT is also urging drivers to match the conditions – that means slowing down if there's bad weather, heavy traffic, or road construction.
You may see the safe speed messages spread out on the radio, billboards, gas pumps, or even through video displays at Buc-ee's locations along major travel corridors!
The "Be safe. Drive smart." campaign is a key component of #EndtheStreakTX, a broader social media effort encouraging drivers to make safer choices behind the wheel - ultimately ending the streak of daily deaths on Texas roads.
As always, if you have a traffic concern in your area, you can email us here.