Talk. Text. Crash.
Distracted driving continues to be a problem in Texas and takes many forms. In 2022, nearly one in six crashes on Texas roads were caused by a distracted driver in which 487 people died and 2,824 were seriously injured. TxDOT’s annual Talk. Text. Crash. campaign is a crucial call-to-action encouraging drivers to keep their heads up and pay attention when behind the wheel.
All distractions – whether texting, eating, grooming, or having a conversation – can be dangerous. Every driver and every passenger, regardless of age, can be impacted by distracted driving.
Since Sept. 1, 2017, it has been illegal to read, write, or send a text while driving in Texas. Violators can face a fine of up to $200.
TxDOT’s Talk. Text. Crash. statewide public awareness campaign educates Texans on the dangers and risks of driving distracted while also raising awareness of statewide laws. The campaign addresses and discourages all forms of distracted driving when behind the wheel, with the overall goal of saving lives and reducing crashes.
Campaign activities include paid media, social media and earned media, Texas-based social media influencer programming, and community education.
What is distracted driving?
Distracted driving is any activity that takes your attention away from driving. Distractions can include anything from texting and talking on a mobile phone to eating and drinking, putting on makeup, shaving, reading, programming a navigation system, watching a video, and even adjusting the radio.
What if I need to text or call someone immediately?
Research shows that regardless of whether you use a voice-to-text program, hands-free device or a handheld one, the distraction will affect your driving. TxDOT offers these tips to prevent distracted driving that can lead to a ticket, or worse, a crash:
- Always give driving your full attention
- Pull off the road entirely and come to a complete stop before you talk or text
- Put your phone away, turn it off, or use an app or your phone settings to block texts and calls or send auto reply texts while you are driving
- Tell friends, family, and coworkers you won’t respond to calls or texts when you are behind the wheel
- Remember that all distractions are dangerous, so pay full attention when behind the wheel
#EndTheStreakTX Campaign
The Talk. Text. Crash. distracted driving campaign is a key component of #EndTheStreakTX, a broader social media and word-of-mouth effort that encourages drivers to make safer choices while behind the wheel, like wearing a seatbelt, driving the speed limit, never texting and driving, and never driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. Nov. 7, 2000, was the last deathless day on Texas roadways. #EndTheStreakTX asks all Texans to commit to driving safely to help end the streak of daily deaths on Texas roadways.