Trauma and Injury Prevention

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that speeding resulted in 29% of traffic fatalities in 2022.

Tips for safer driving:

• Following the speed limit and leaving more distance between cars during heavy traffic times can help prevent crashes
• Slowing down during bad weather conditions and work zones is important for road safety

For more information on speeding and road safety:

• TXDot.gov - Speed Limits
• US DoT - Safer Speeds
• NHTSA.gov - Speeding and Aggressive Driving Prevention

What is distracted driving?

• Distracted driving is any activity that takes away attention from operating a vehicle safely.

Three types of driving distractions include:

• Visual - taking your eyes of the road
• Manual - taking your hands off the wheel
• Cognitive - taking your mind off driving

Texting and driving is illegal everywhere in Texas.

Ways to prevent distracted driving when behind the wheel:

• put your phone on do not disturb,
• silence notifications, or
• download a cellphone blocking app

To learn more about distracted driving:

• TXDot.gov - Texting and Cellphone Laws: Distracted Driving
• FMCSA.gov - Distracted Driving
• CDC.gov - Distracted Driving > Transportation Safety > Injury Center

The CDC reported that wearing a seatbelt can reduce serious crash related injuries and deaths by 50%.

• In Texas it is required that the driver and passengers in the vehicle wear a seatbelt at all times
• A seatbelt works with the airbags in your car to protect you from crashing into the vehicle interior, other passengers, and being removed from the vehicle

To learn more about seatbelt safety:

• NHTSA.gov - Seat Belt Safety: Buckle Up America
• CDC.gov - Seat Belts: Get the Facts > Transportation Safety > Injury Center
• CDC.gov - Child Passenger Safety > Features > Injury Center

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that 7,388 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes in 2021 in the US

• People traveling on foot or using a wheelchair are among the most vulnerable users of the road
• Children’s Health Dallas reported that pedestrian injury is among the top 5 causes of death for children 5 to 14 years old

Please refer to the checklist below to learn how to prevent pedestrian injuries and fatalities:

• Pedestrian Safety Checklist

For more information on pedestrian safety:

• NHTSA.gov - Pedestrian Safety: Prevent Pedestrian Crashes
• TexasChildrens.org - Pedestrian Safety
• TXDot.gov - Pedestrian Safety