TxDOT: Safer Roads Mean Fewer Fatalities

The Texas Department of Transportation is crediting safer roads as a major factor in an 11% drop in road fatalities, according to a recent report.

In 2009, there were 388 fewer fatalities on highways in Texas. "This is great news for Texans, and evidence that the resources we’ve put into safety projects across the state are paying dividends in lives saved," Gov. Rick Perry said.

Over the past five years, TxDOT has concentrated $1.2 billion dollars on highway improvement projects that had the greatest potential to reduce crashes. 

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration also attributes the decline to other factors as well, including improved seat belt usage, successful drunk driving and distracted driving campaigns, safer vehicles, and motorists cutting down on their driving.

The recent "Click It or Ticket" campaign has helped Texans set a new record of 93.8% statewide seat belt usage for 2010. Deirdre Delisi, Texas Transportation Commission chair, says the safety campaigns coupled with improved road safety have made a phenomenal difference.

"TxDOT and its law enforcement partners across the state conduct a variety of outreach campaigns encouraging motorists to drive safer. The agency's annual Click it or Ticket and the Drink, Drive, Go to Jail campaigns are examples of educational programs designed to change driver behavior," she said.

West Man Dies After Clipping San Marcos Bus

According to the San Marcos Daily Record, a West man died Friday when he clipped a San Marcos CISD school bus with his motorcycle.

Police said 18 year old Brandon Ashley was traveling west on Bagby Avenue and tried to pass the bus, full of junior varsity football players on their way to a scrimmage at the Waco ISD stadium.  The Daily Record reports that Waco PD records supervisor Ivan Reyes said Ashley attempted to pass on the right as the bus was making a right turn into the stadium parking lot. 

Waco Police said Saturday they do not expect any charges will be filed in connection with a fatal accident on Friday involving a San Marcos CISD school bus and a motorcycle.  “The motorcycle clipped the right front corner of the bus, causing Ashley to be thrown from the bike.”  The man was not wearing a helmet and died at Hillcrest Hospital.

The Daily Record reports the district kept students away from the scene of the accident and went on to play in the game.  After the scrimmage Waco police counselors talked to the players.  None of the students were injured.  The investigation is ongoing, although the Daily Record reports no charges are expected to be filed against the bus driver.