2697 Deaths And Counting...

In Texas we have signs over the interstate highways that periodically show the number of traffic fatalities so far in the current year and remind drivers to wear seat belts and refrain from drinking and driving.  I saw one a little while ago that said "There have been 2697 traffic deaths so far this year.  Please don't drink and drive and always wear your seat belt."

2697 deaths this year from traffic accidents in the state of Texas.  That's over 9 per day and the highest number of total deaths in the country last year. Surprisingly, given the population of Texas, that's only about 11 deaths per 100,000 people in the state.  It ranks us #24 in total traffic deaths in the country by state.  Believe it or not, Wyoming has the most traffic deaths per population.

Having lost my son in a traffic accident (because he wasn't wearing a seat belt) it always strikes me to see these figures.  I don't drink and drive and, because of my son, I don't go anywhere without my seat belt. Some people will ask "What about those people who died because they couldn't get their seat belts off?" That question is pretty rare these days because statistics prove that number to be very minuscule.  Seat belts save infinitely far more lives than those lost because of them.

Today is November 13th.  There are 48 days left in the year.  At the rate of 9.4 deaths per day that means statistically there should be 451 more traffic deaths in Texas by year's end.  We ended last year with 2998 total.  The projected total for this year is 3148.  That's an increase of 150 people.  You would think that with the safety of vehicles these days traffic fatalities would decrease.  That doesn't seem to be the case.

On the news earlier today I heard about a guy in Dallas who was tailgating another driver.  The other driver put on his brakes in hope the guy in such a hurry would pass him.  It worked.  But the tailgating driver put a bullet through the other driver's window and into his arm as he went by.

I can't help but wonder if the speed limits in Texas are a factor in the number of traffic deaths.  Some of the highways, including two lane country roads, have posted speed limits of 75mph.  But in Texas, if you want to get anywhere in a reasonable time, you have to drive fast or it can take all day - literally.  From Orange, Texas, just inside the Eastern border from Louisiana on I-10, to El Paso on the Western border is 854 miles - a drive of 13 hours and 23 minutes not counting stops.  And believe me - you'll need to stop.  After San Antonio the drive is dull and boring and yes...  ugly.  There's nothing out in West Texas except open land, small towns and oil wells.  Try that drive at 55 and you'll be spending another night in Texas!

I don't know what the answer is.  I do know that people need to wake up and pay attention when they're driving.  3000 deaths in one state in one year is too many.  I don't have the answer but I think broadcasting it on the lighted sign is a pretty good start - except that it takes the driver's eyes away from the road. Hmmmm...