Young County traffic deaths rise 20 pct over two years - TxDOT

Texas Highway Commission warns drivers of increased fatalities in last two years – traffic deaths are up 20 percent since 2020.

Texas marked 22 consecutive years of daily traffic deaths on Nov. 7 with more than 79,000 lives lost to preventable fatal crashes, the Texas Department of Transportation said in a statement warning about holiday road fatalities.

Nov. 7, 2000 was the last deathless day on Texas roadways, the agency said. The fatality rate has increased over the past two years, following a national trend, with an average of 12 people dying every day on Texas highways – up from 10 a day pre-pandemic.

“Most crashes and fatalities are preventable and caused by things such as speeding, drunk driving and distracted driving,” the agency said. “That’s why the approach to reaching zero deaths must be through what TxDOT calls the 3 Es engineering, education, and enforcement. That way, everyone has a responsibility to keep ourselves and fellow drivers safe.”

TxDOT is asking Texans to raise awareness by: -Making the best and safest decisions behind the wheel. Don’t drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Always obey traffic laws. Always wear your seatbelt.

-Post pictures on social media with a downloadable sign displaying the hashtag #EndtTheStreakTX -Share personal stories of loved ones who have been lost in a crash and use the hashtag #Endt-TheStreakTX -Follow @txdot social media pages and share the content