Fatal crashes rise in northeast Texas

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) encourages drivers to put their full focus on the road amid a rise in fatal crashes in northeast Texas.

"Over a relatively short period of time, our nine-county district has experienced a significant rise in fatal crashes, accounting for 36 percent - more than one-third - of all traffic deaths recorded this year," said TxDOT Atlanta District Engineer Katie Martin. "Between January 1 and July 12, 52 people lost their lives on roadways across our district, and 19 of those fatalities occurred within just a 30-day period. These are not just statistics. They all have families and loved ones. We need everyone's help to reverse this trend. Please slow down, stay alert, and wear your seat belt every trip, every time."

The Atlanta District includes Bowie, Camp, Cass, Harrison, Marion, Morris, Panola, Titus and Upshur counties.

Drivers not staying in their lane of travel, speeding, and motorists not wearing seat belts are consistently major contributing factors to fatal crashes in TxDOT's Atlanta District.

"Earlier this year - in January and February - we saw a period of over a month in which there were no deaths on roadways in our district. Unfortunately, that progress has not continued," said Martin. "Driving is something we do every day, and because it's so routine, it's easy to forget the risk. We want to encourage people to treat every trip with the caution it deserves."

TxDOT's Be Safe. Drive Smart. campaignis a year-long public education and awareness effort aimed at saving lives and reducing crashes. TxDOT urges all drivers to observe safe driving practices:

• Be courteous to other drivers.
• Always buckle up, all riders, day and night.
• Pay attention, focus on driving when behind the wheel, put the phone away or turn it off.
• Drive to conditions, slow down when weather conditions are bad.
• Stop for all stop signs and red lights.
• Pass carefully when it's legal and safe.
• Never drive after drinking alcohol or consuming other drugs or medications that cause drowsiness.
• Slow down or move over for flashing lights; a law enforcement vehicle, emergency vehicle, tow truck or TxDOT vehicle that may be stopped along the side of the road.

TxDOT's Be Safe. Drive Smart. campaign is an important part of TxDOT's Drive like a Texan: Kind. Courteous. Safe. initiative. Drive like a Texan is about embracing the pride, camaraderie and responsibility of being a Texan on the road. By making thoughtful choices, we can all help keep each other safe. Learn more at DriveLikeATexan.com.