Texas campaign to target 24-year streak of daily deaths on state roads

AUSTIN (KXAN) — It's been nearly 24 years since Texas saw no deaths reported on state roadways, with the last deathless day recorded on Nov. 7, 2000. In the two decades and counting since, more than 87,000 people have died in traffic crashes across the state.

On Thursday, the Texas Department of Transportation and the Texas Department of Public Safety will announce a joint effort to end that daily streak. The two state departments will host a joint press conference at 10 a.m. Thursday at TxDOT's Austin District headquarters, located at 7901 N. Interstate 35.

Texas sees an average of 12 roadway deaths each day, according to a 2023 TxDOT analysis. Officials noted the deadly streak nearly ended in February 2023, when one traffic fatality was reported.

TxDOT developed the campaign #EndTheStreakTX to highlight traffic fatalities and substantial contributors to deadly crashes. Those include speeding, driving under the effects of drugs or alcohol as well as distracted driving.

Earlier this year, Gov. Greg Abbott unveiled alongside Texas DPS a record $148 billion investment into enhancing the state's transportation infrastructure. That funding came via the 10-year Unified Transportation Plan, which allocated more than $17 billion into safety projects.

More details about TxDOT and Texas DPS' joint effort will be revealed Thursday.