July 1, 2013
Here's
our roundup of Texas Department of Transportation news and events. If
you have any questions, comments or just want to know more about
something you read here, send a message to AskTxDOT@txdot.gov.
Faces of Drunk Driving
In
an effort to curb alcohol-related crashes and save lives, the Texas
Department of Public Safety has stepped up statewide patrols during the
10-day Fourth of July holiday period that began June 28 and runs through
July 7.
The increased patrols are funded through a TxDOT grant. Independence
Day traditionally ranks among the deadliest holiday periods on Texas
highways, and last year was no exception with 133 alcohol-related
crashes. For information about finding a sober ride home, visit www.soberrides.org.
To highlight the importance of the July Fourth anti-drunk driving effort, TxDOT recently unveiled its updated “ Faces of Drunk Driving”
website with new stories illustrating the human impact of drunk
driving. The latest campaign features 9-year-old Xitclalli “Chilli”
Vasquez, who was paralyzed from the chest down after being hit by a
drunk driver in Fort Worth on July 9, 2011. Also sharing their story is
the family of Aaron Pennywell, 20, who was killed by a drunk driver two
years ago in Cypress. Through July 9, TxDOT will host “Faces of Drunk Driving” events across the state, urging motorists to be smart and drive sober.
Transportation Commission Actions
Drive Clean Across Texas Sweepstakes
Don’t miss your chance to win a brand-new Ford Fusion Hybrid. Enter the “ Drive Clean Across Texas” sweepstakes today! The deadline for entering is Sept. 15.
The statewide public outreach and education campaign encourages
motorists to make cost-saving, no-cost and low-cost changes in their
driving and vehicle maintenance behaviors to reduce harmful vehicle
emissions — a major contributor to air pollution. The low-emission,
gas-saving 2013 Fusion Hybrid car is sponsored by the Dallas Cowboys
Football Club. The winner will be announced at Cowboys Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 6.
TxDOT Worker Killed in Hit-And-Run Crash
TxDOT
lost a valued family member on June 25. Ciro Lozano, an El Paso
District employee, was struck and killed by a motorist while performing
maintenance work on US 54. Lozano, 41, began his TxDOT career in 2006
and was a general technician in our West El Paso Maintenance Section. He
is survived by his wife and four children. The El Paso Police
Department has made an arrest in the hit-and-run crash that killed
Lozano. TxDOT reminds drivers to slow down, stay alert and observe
traffic signs when approaching work zones.
Ten Communities Honored by Keep Texas Beautiful
 |
| Texas
Transportation Commissioner Fred Underwood presents the 2013 Governor’s
Community Achievement Awards at the 46th Annual Keep Texas Beautiful
Conference in San Antonio. |
Ten
communities ─ Collinsville, Port Aransas, Graham, Katy, Alvin,
Copperas Cove, Grapevine, Longview, Midland and Austin ─ were recently
honored at the 46th Annual Keep Texas Beautiful Conference in San
Antonio. They are winners of the 2013 Governor's Community Achievement Awards,
which recognize the best grassroots environmental programs in the
state. The communities were selected by a panel of judges to share a $2
million TxDOT grant for landscaping projects along local rights of way
in their areas.
Check Road Conditions
If
you're planning a Texas road trip this upcoming July Fourth weekend,
remember that road conditions can change quickly due to the weather,
construction and natural disasters. TxDOT keeps you up-to-date on road
conditions in your area and throughout the state. Call us toll-free at (800) 452-9292 for current road conditions or view road conditions at DriveTexas® .
TxDOT Podcast: July Fourth DWI Crackdown
The weekly TxDOT Podcast keeps you updated on the latest transportation news and issues. New episodes are published every Friday on the TxDOT website, www.txdot.gov.
With
July Fourth just around the corner, chances are, your holiday plans
include packing the family car and hitting the road — where, as Texas
Department of Public Safety Sgt. Lonny Haschel reminds us in this week’s
episode, you’ll be under the watchful eyes of the Texas highway patrol.
Episodes are also available on iTunes.
TN Online
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