Vision Zero

In this video produced by KHOU Channel 11 and the Houston Fire Department, A Houston father shares his memories and grief of losing his 16-year-old son.

April is Impaired Driving Awareness Month

Houston experienced a tragic loss of 300 lives in traffic-related deaths last year, with an additional 1,656 individuals suffering serious injuries. Among these fatalities, 138 were drivers, representing 46% of the total. The primary contributing factor to these devastating fatalities was impaired driving, accounting for a staggering 57% of all crashes.

These statistics align with the latest data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which reveal that distracted driving claimed the lives of 3,522 people across the country in 2021. On average, that equates to nine lives lost each day, although experts believe the actual numbers are even higher. For this reason, the City of Houston is working to raise awareness about the dangers of impaired and distracted driving within our community.

To further amplify our message, we are delivering impactful messages through various channels, including social media platforms and our official website. These efforts are made possible through partnerships with City departments and traffic safety organizations. We are particularly focused on reaching socially vulnerable communities, as well as our most vulnerable travelers who are disproportionately affected by traffic crashes.

In our commitment to educate younger generations, Vision Zero Houston developed a coloring and activity book that teaches children about traffic safety. One page of the book is dedicated to raising awareness about the dangers of distracted driving and empowering children to encourage their parents to adopt safer driving habits. This year, we are supporting the Houston Police Department by sharing this video Houston Fire Department - Safety and Public Education - Texting Distracts. Watch The Road! (houstontx.gov) to create awareness in the youth community.

In collaboration with AAA, we premiered the documentary SIDETRACKED, (SIDETRACKED - The Brutal Realities of Distracted Driving - YouTube) which sheds light on the consequences of distracted driving. This powerful initiative aims to educate and engage our employees to be an example on the roads and also the public in general, emphasizing the importance of staying focused behind the wheel.

We urge all travelers to remain attentive and prioritize safety. When you are driving, we ask that you focus on the task at hand. Let's put down our phones, avoid texting while driving, and concentrate on the road ahead.

Together, let us work towards our vision of ensuring that everyone arrives home safely at the end of each day.

Your commitment to safe and responsible driving is crucial in achieving this goal.