The Texas Department of Transportation encourages drivers not to text and drive.
In February a statewide initiative went into effect, with the department adding specific ‘Drive Now,Text Later’ signs to construction zones.
Public Information Director Dianah Ascencio said texting while driving is a problem in general but even worse in construction zones because texters endanger themselves, other motorists and TXDOT workers.
“Definitely when you are entering a construction zone the normal driving conditions do not exist,” Ascencio said. “There are workers and equipment working close to fast moving, heavy-volume traffic sometimes. And we just want to make sure that not only the motorists and their passengers, as well as the workers, are safe.”
A few signs have already popped up around the South Plains, but Ascencio said drivers will see even more in the Permian-Basin area.
“If you are traveling to the Permian Basin this summer or other energy sector areas in the state you are more likely to see these signs,” Ascencio said, “because we have noticed an increase in crashes and fatalities in energy sector roadways.”
In 2014, TxDOT reported nearly one in five crashes involved a distracted driver.
