Beginning today, Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) troopers in the Atlanta District are distributing a concise set of safe‑driving reminders to drivers during traffic stops. The two‑week campaign, which runs through the end of the month, highlights five basic practices: buckle up, avoid distractions, drive at safe speeds, arrange a sober ride, and move over or slow down for emergency vehicles.
Why the initiative matters
Texas has long struggled with traffic‑related deaths. One Texan has died on the road every day since November 7, 2000, and more than 95,000 lives have been lost in crashes since that date. In 2025 the state recorded 3,763 traffic fatalities, a drop of nearly 10 % from the 4,162 deaths reported in 2024.
In the Atlanta District alone, 2025 saw 6,130 crashes, resulting in 85 fatalities and 344 serious injuries. The district covers Bowie, Camp, Cass, Harrison, Marion, Morris, Panola, Titus and Upshur counties.
State leadership backs the effort
“Everyone has so many reasons why they want to get home safely. Remember, so does every driver around you,” said TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams. “Each life lost is a reminder of why we all need to work together to end this streak of daily deaths.”
TxDOT is investing $16 billion in safety improvements as part of its ten‑year state plan. Funding supports physical upgrades such as cable barriers, rumble strips and other crash‑mitigation designs, as well as innovative projects that leverage technology.
Technology and design innovations
The agency is piloting artificial‑intelligence tools, including automatic incident‑detection software that can alert responders more quickly. It is also expanding the use of modern roundabouts, which research shows can cut intersection fatalities by up to 90 %.
These measures complement the DPS outreach, which aims to reinforce basic safe‑driving habits at the point of contact with law‑enforcement officers.
What drivers can do
When stopped, motorists will receive a printed card listing the five tips. Officers are encouraged to briefly discuss each point, emphasizing that safe choices protect not only the driver but also family members, friends and fellow road users.
Community groups and faith‑based organizations have been invited to spread the message further, underscoring the shared responsibility of families and neighborhoods to keep Texas roads safe.
Looking ahead
The DPS and TxDOT plan to evaluate the campaign’s impact after the two‑week period, using crash data and feedback from officers and the public. If the initiative proves effective, officials hope to expand the program statewide, reinforcing Texas’ commitment to protecting lives on its highways.
Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.
