Today marks a deadly milestone in Texas – at least one fatality has occurred on the roads every day since November 7, 2000.
In a bid to end the deadly 16-year streak, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has launched an #EndTheStreakTX campaign, reminding drivers to stay alert, obey traffic laws and take personal responsibility behind the wheel.
“Every day for the past 16 years, somebody has lost a spouse, child, friend or neighbor on Texas roadways,” said TxDOT Executive Director James Bass. “These deadly crashes are a sobering reminder that we must do everything in our power to stay focused and safe while driving. We can stop this staggering streak if every driver makes it a priority to be safe, focused and responsible. Let’s end the streak.”
TxDOT is asking people to change their social media profile pictures to the black image available for download here. Throughout November, TxDOT’s social media pages will share facts and information about the last 16 years of roadway fatalities and invite Texans to publicly show their commitment to ending the streak of deadly days by sharing the posts with the hashtag #EndTheStreakTX.
TxDOT is also inviting the public to share personal stories of loved ones lost in car crashes on its social media pages.
Since November 7, 2000, there have been 55,578 fatalities resulting from motor vehicle crashes on Texas roadway. The leading causes of fatalities continue to be failure to stay in one lane, alcohol and speed.
