The Texas Department of Transportation is teaming with local law enforcement agencies on a program designed to slow down Texas drivers. “Operation Slowdown” is scheduled to run from June 7th to June 21st. The program is aimed at the number one factor when it comes to car and truck accidents: speed.
According to TxDot data, speed was a contributing factor in over 160,000 accidents in the state in 2021. Roughly one-third of fatal crashes involved a speeding vehicle. Overall, traffic fatalities have risen each of the past two years. That left 2021 as the deadliest year on record in Texas since 1981 in terms of vehicle crashes.
As a major component, speeding is bound to draw the attention of many safety efforts to combat the problem.
Along with the announcement about Operation Slowdown, TxDot included three safety tips to help drivers. First, drivers are urged to match their speed to the conditions, whether that means challenging weather or road construction.
Second, they want drivers to slow down and give the cars ahead of them more space in heavier traffic. Finally, they ask drivers to keep watch for signs mentioning reduced speeds ahead.
You don’t have to spend much time on Dallas roads to get the feeling that speed limits are not taken seriously. Speeding is extremely common. Unfortunately, this leaves drivers with the feeling that they can set their speed wherever they feel safe. Many find out that their feelings don’t coincide with reality when they crash.
Speed limits should form the upper limit of how fast you drive. That does not mean it’s always safe to drive at the limit. Rain, darkness, traffic, road construction, and other factors can make the speed limit an unsafe rate of travel.
Pretty much any condition other than blue skies and no other cars should cause you to at least consider slowing down.
Even if you drive at safe speeds, you will have to deal with speeding and other forms of aggressive driving. The thing to remember is that you can’t, and shouldn’t try to, control other people’s speed. Don’t do anything that puts you in the path of an aggressive driver. The sooner you are away from them, the less likely you are to get caught up in an accident they cause.
Negligent behaviors such as speeding can cause tremendous harm to drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. If you have been injured in a Dallas car accident, you need to speak to an experienced attorney right away. Call Ted B. Lyon & Associates at 877-Ted-Lyon / 877-833-5966 to schedule a consultation to discuss your case.
