Traffic fatalities in Texas drop but are nowhere near 2010 levels
In 2017, Texas lawmakers passed HB 62, which made it illegal for drivers to text while driving.
After seven straight years of increases, the number of traffic fatalities in Texas decreased in 2018, the Insurance Council of Texas (ICT) reports. Traffic fatalities in Texas had risen 34% since 2010 before finally declining last year.
Despite the decline in auto fatalities in 2018, the number of fatalities is still 25% higher than 2010 levels. Traffic fatalities dropped 4% to 3,567 last year from 3,720 in 2017. The number of fatal auto pedestrians also dropped by 12%: 597 pedestrians were killed on Texas highways last year after reaching a high of 676 fatal auto pedestrian accidents in 2016.
Related: 10 worst states for pedestrian deaths
Don’t text and drive in Texas
“The one factor that may have contributed to the drop in fatalities last year is the state’s new law banning texting while driving,” Mark Hanna, a spokesperson for the Insurance Council of Texas, said in a press release. “Because of the tremendous loss of lives, many ICT member companies supported this legislation and the public awareness campaigns appear to have had an impact.”
In 2017, Texas lawmakers passed HB 62, which made it illegal for drivers to text while driving. The law took effect on Sept. 1, 2017.
Related: Survey finds half of Philly drivers read texts and emails while driving
Consider these tips from the NHTSA
While public awareness campaigns and stronger laws concerning highway traffic safety do work, there is still a long way to go before roads and highways in the U.S. are free from accidents caused by texting, speeding, drunk-driving and the like. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration offers the following recommendations:
- Keep your attention on driving at all times — meaning no multitasking whatsoever.
- Be aware of what other drivers around you are doing, and expect the unexpected.
- Build time into your trip schedule for food, rest breaks, phone calls and other business.
- Avoid driving when you’re tired. Be aware that some medications cause drowsiness and make operating a vehicle very dangerous.
- Always wear your seat belt and driver sober and drug-free.
Related: Traffic deaths down 1.8% in 2017, plus 14 additional key NHTSA findings