7/23/2023

Folks listen up!

Speed remains top contributing factor in Texas crashes

From the Texas Department of Transportation Jul 21, 2023 0

Drivers continue to choose to go too fast on Texas roads, making speed the number one contributing factor in traffic crashes. That’s why TxDOT is partnering with law enforcement on the “Be Safe. Drive Smart.” campaign to urge motorists to slow down.

Last year, a third of the people killed on the road were in a crash that involved speed. This translates to 1,469 lives that were lost on Texas roads in speed-related crashes.

“Getting to your destination two or three minutes faster just isn’t worth the risk of a crash and causing harm to yourself or others,” said TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams. “Motorists who observe the speed limit and match their driving to road and weather conditions can help prevent crashes.”

TxDOT’s speeding awareness campaign coincides with Operation Slowdown, a statewide, high-visibility speed enforcement period. Texas law enforcement agencies are stepping up efforts to get drivers to slow down or pay up through July 30.

Smart, safe driving means more than following the speed limit. TxDOT has these safety tips for motorists:

• Match your speed to road conditions if there’s bad weather or you’re driving through a work
  zone.
• Slow down and allow for more distance to stop when traffic is heavy or roads are slick.
• Watch for road signs alerting you of reduced speed limits ahead.

This month, TxDOT is delivering the campaign’s safe speed messages on TV, radio, billboards, gas pumps, theater screens and social media. Community events featuring an interactive exhibit of safety quizzes and video displays will be held at Buc-ee’s locations along major travel corridors.

TxDOT’s HERO trucks, which assist motorists in need and clear minor crashes, will also display campaign signage to encourage drivers to slow down.

“Be Safe. Drive Smart.” is a key component of #EndTheStreakTX, a broader social media and word-of-mouth effort that encourages drivers to make safer choices while behind the wheel to help end the streak of daily deaths.

Nov. 7, 2000, was the last deathless day on Texas roadways.

The information contained in this report represents reportable data collected from the Texas Peace Officer’s Crash Report (CR-3). This information was received and processed by the department as of April 19, 2023. To view additional traffic safety data, visit https://data.texas.gov/stories/s/nze5-dppu.

And then ths is stated:
No Speed Limits in Texas
March 28, 2012 by dallasattorney
No Speed Limits in Texas

Believe it or not, there are no speed limits in Texas.

You may have heard me mention on the radio that “there are no speed limits in Texas.” I’ve received a ton of email on this issue. Read on, and you’ll see I’ve listed the two relevant Texas statutes. First, I’ll explain them, and then I’ll give you the full text of each:

Explanations of the statutes (both of which can be found in the Texas Transportation Code)…

1. Texas Transportation Code Section 545.351. MAXIMUM SPEED REQUIREMENT.
   Subsections “(a)” and “(b)(1)” are the speeding statutes in Texas. Basically, they say that you’re “speeding” if you’re driving at a rate of speed that is “unreasonable and imprudent under the circumstances then existing.”
2. Texas Transportation Code Section 545.352 PRIMA FACIE SPEED LIMITS.
   This statute says that a posted “speed limit” is “prima facie” proof that you’re guilty of speeding (i.e., that the speed at which you are traveling is “unreasonable and imprudent under the circumstances then existing”). “Prima facie” means “sufficient to establish a fact or case unless disproved” or “at first sight; before closer inspection.” In other words, if, upon “closer inspection” there is sufficient evidence that the speed at which you are traveling is NOT “unreasonable and imprudent under the circumstances then existing,” YOU ARE NOT SPEEDING UNDER TEXAS LAW.

Hence, simply because you’re driving 75 in a 60 m.p.h. zone, it doesn’t necessarily follow that you’re “speeding.” If it’s not “unreasonable and imprudent under the circumstance then existing” to do so, you can lawfully drive 75 m.p.h. Think about the times you’ve “gone with the flow” of traffic, even though everyone was going faster than the posted “speed limit.” Were all of you being unreasonable?

Thus, there are no speed limits in Texas, in that you can (in certain situations) lawfully drive at a rate of speed greater than what is indicated by the posted speed limit sign. Rather, posted speed limits are the presumptive legal speed for the stretch of roadway to which they pertain… a presumption which can be rebutted by proof that you were driving in a way that was not unreasonable under the circumstances. However, please understand that you can be cited for speeding, and brought to trial, if it’s alleged that you were driving above the presumptive legal speed. Whether or not the jury (or, in some cases, the judge) convicts you depends on whether or not they believe you were driving in a “reasonable” manner.
Okay, enough chatter. Here are the statutes:
§ 545.351. MAXIMUM SPEED REQUIREMENT.
(a) An operator may not drive at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the circumstances then existing.
(b) An operator:
(1) may not drive a vehicle at a speed greater than is
reasonable and prudent under the conditions and having regard for
actual and potential hazards then existing; and
(2) shall control the speed of the vehicle as
necessary to avoid colliding with another person or vehicle that is
on or entering the highway in compliance with law and the duty of
each person to use due care.
(c) An operator shall, consistent with Subsections (a) and
(b), drive at an appropriate reduced speed if:
(1) the operator is approaching and crossing an
intersection or railroad grade crossing;
(2) the operator is approaching and going around a
curve;
(3) the operator is approaching a hill crest;
(4) the operator is traveling on a narrow or winding
roadway; and
(5) a special hazard exists with regard to traffic,
including pedestrians, or weather or highway conditions.

Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995. Amended
by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 165, § 30.109, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
§ 545.352. PRIMA FACIE SPEED LIMITS. (a) A speed in
excess of the limits established by Subsection (b) or under another
provision of this subchapter is prima facie evidence that the speed
is not reasonable and prudent and that the speed is unlawful.
Text of subsec. (b) as amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 663, § 2 and Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 739, § 1

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The gist I get is that – signs posted in any given area the law?

And cars state how fast the car can be driven – even if the car can’t drive that fast.

And, then they tell us to drive slower?

Sounds to me like the department needs to put some common sense in the law. As you state in the above statement – PEOPLE ARE DRIVING TOO FAST.

Which is true. The highways are not safe any more due to these fast drivers.

It is time to SLOW DOWN THE PEOPLE on the highways. Besides being angry, people are not using good judgement – they are always in a hurry.

Only the department can slow them down.

It is time to – SLOW DOWN AND SMELL THE ROSES because you will not be smelling them – but have them on top of your casket.

Please, department, put some common sense into the driving speed.

The State doesn’t mind taxing us to death. So, why don’t they have a formal speed law to slow down people and save people from themselves because we are losing too many taxpayers by car crashes.

Please, again, it is not safe on the highways anymore. People drive too fast.

kommonsentsjane