REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION
BY DANICA LLOYD TxDOT declares 2021 as second-deadliest year for Texas roadways Roadways are becoming increas- ingly deadly, according to a news release from the Texas Department of Transportation detailing findings that are part of a larger issue nationwide. TxDOT reported important solutions,” Transportation Commissioner Laura Ryan said in a news release. “This is not blame. These are facts. We all have a role. TxDOT can do more, and we accept TRAFFIC TRAGEDIES Reported vehicle crashes in Texas in 2021 1.07M Noninjuries Possible injuries Unknown injuries
SOURCE: TEXAS PEACE OFFICER’S CRASH REPORTS/COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER While most traffic crashes did not result in injuries, thousands of Texans died or faced serious injuries on the roads in 2021.
that responsibility. The driving public can do more. For instance, in 2021, a total of 1,522 people were killed because of speed, and a total of 1,219 were killed because they were not wearing a seat belt. These were decisions made by people that could have potentially saved 2,741 lives.” Art Markman, a
137.4K
100.4K
more than 4,480 deaths on Texas roads in 2021, only a little behind 1981, the deadliest year to date with over 4,701 deaths. Roadway deaths are also on the rise nationwide. Officials reported an esti- mated 20,160 people died from vehicular crashes in the first half of 2021, 18.4%
“WE MUST DO BETTER—FOR OURSELVES, OUR LOVED ONES AND
Suspected minor injuries
Suspected serious injuries
Fatalities
82.5K
19.4K
4.5K
OUR LARGER COMMUNITY OF TEXANS.” LAURA RYAN, TRANSPORTATION COMMISSIONER
pressures that have had a negative effect on roadways. “We have to remind people that they are part of a community,” Markman said. “We have to start considering everyone as part of our community.” Some of the initiatives being studied include traffic safety campaigns and law enforcement funding grants as well as proven life-saving roadway designs. TxDOT is also reviewing crash data to
UPCOMING ADULT WORKSHOPS Make a Mug Sip and Throw Pottery Glass Fusing Torn Paper Collage and more! reduce the number of deaths. “But make no mistake: This is an urgent call to action for all of us behind the wheel,” Ryan said. “We can do better. We should do better. We must do better—for ourselves, our loved ones and our larger com- munity of Texans. Not a single death on our roadways is acceptable. Let’s end this streak.” identify areas where drivers are more likely to crash. Engineering and enforcement will also help
psychology professor at The Univer- sity of Texas, informed TxDOT leaders and transportation stakeholders at the annual Texas Transportation Forum in February about coronavirus-related
higher than in 2020. Texas saw an increase of almost 15% from 2020-21. “Driver behavior is one of the causes but also one of the most
Create
WITH US,
Scan QR code for more info and registration
Stay WITH US
W Walker St
W Lamar St
Scan QR code for more info on local lodging
404 N Church Street · McKinney, TX 214.937.9153
12
COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Powered by FlippingBook