Take it slow: TxDOT anti-speeding campaign underway

If you’re anything like me, as you get older you become more cynical or wary of people — especially on the road.

That’s why TxDOT is spreading awareness with its “Be Safe. Drive Smart.” campaign — as part of Operation Slowdown — which will be until Aug. 2.

According to TxDOT, the organization will partner with law enforcement to increase patrols and stop drivers who are speeding or driving too fast.

So yeah, we all got places to be but let’s face it, we’re not “that much” in a hurry if you think about it.

TxDOT shared some alarming statistics for last year, in which 1,247 people were killed in speed-related crashes within the state.

In a release, TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams emphasized that speeding makes any crash that much more dangerous.

“Higher speeds mean less time to react and a much greater risk of serious injury or death. We’re asking Texans to slow down and drive with care,” Williams said.

Not to nag you if you’ve gotten this far in the column, but TxDOT highlights these tips when driving:

• Match your speed to traffic, weather and road conditions

• Increase following distance when traffic is heavy or roads are slick

• Watch for changing speed limits, especially in work zones and school zones

• Remember that fines double for speeding in active work zones and school zones

The amount of times where I’ve witnessed people speeding or running red lights is aplenty.

More so, the amount of times I’ve had drivers ride my bumper is too many to count. To add onto that, the amount of moments I’ve seen drivers going over the speed limit in a school zone while the speeding lights are on — yes, you read that right — is enough to cause a migraine.

Then, in the hot summer, people seem to lose their common sense and cool when driving, too.

Let’s do better on the road. Let’s take it slow.