April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is reminding drivers on the state’s streets and highways to stay focused on the road whenever they drive. As part of community outreach, the agency is reaching people through commercials, billboards, and a mobile exhibit with a driving simulator that shows the dangers of distracted driving.

The goal is to educate drivers not only about the dangers of distracted driving, but also about the laws related to it. When it comes to sending text messages while driving, Texas law is clear: anyone found reading, writing, or sending a text while driving faces a fine of up to $200.

The deadly reality of distracted driving

Distracted driving was the second most common factor in traffic crashes in Texas last year, contributing to more than 86,000 crashes, according to TxDOT.

Regardless of how tempting it may be to respond to a text or check your social networks while driving, nothing is more important than your life and the life of others on the road.

Anything that takes your eyes away from the road can be considered distracted driving, including changing the music, adjusting the navigation, or eating.

“When you’re behind the wheel, you should focus completely on one thing: driving,” said Marc Williams, Executive Director of TxDOT.

“The dangers and obstacles on the road require thinking and reacting quickly, and a few seconds can be the difference between life and death. I promise that a text message or bite of food can wait,” he added.

“Talk. Text. Crash.” is an important part of “Drive Like a Texan: Kind. Courteous. Safe,” an initiative from TxDOT that invites us to drive with the pride, solidarity, and responsibility of being a Texan.

By making conscious decisions, we can all help keep ourselves safe. Learn more at DriveLikeATexan.com.

Avoid distractions with these simple steps

• Stay focused: Keep both hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road.

• Put the phone away: Keep the phone out of reach while you drive. Use your phone’s settings to block text messages and calls until you reach your destination.

• Pull over: If you need to send a text, make a call, or do something else that could distract you, first pull over completely in a safe place.