Texas marks a grim milestone this weekend as at least one fatality has occurred each and every day on state roadways since Nov. 7, 2000. That’s 5,478 consecutive days with at least one fatality. In an effort to end this deadly 15-year streak, the Texas Department of Transportation, through its #EndTheStreakTX campaign, reminds drivers to stay alert, obey traffic laws and take personal responsibility behind the wheel.

“More than 50,000 people have been killed on Texas roadways over the past 15 years and that number is a sobering reminder that we must do everything in our power to stay focused and safe while driving,” said TxDOT Executive Director LtGen Joe Weber, USMC (Ret). “These crashes have killed spouses, children, friends and neighbors, and shattered the lives of those they left behind. We can stop this staggering streak if all drivers make it a priority to be safe, focused and responsible.”

To help raise awareness of this tragic, daily statistic, TxDOT is asking people to change their social media profile pictures to the black image available for download here. Throughout November, TxDOT’s social media pages will share facts and information about the last 15 years of roadway fatalities and invite Texans to publicly show their commitment to ending the streak of deadly days by sharing these posts with the hashtag #EndTheStreakTX. TxDOT also will invite the public to share personal stories of loved ones lost in car crashes on its social media pages using photo and video testimonials with the hashtag #EndTheStreakTX.

Since Nov. 7, 2000, fatalities resulting from motor vehicle crashes on Texas roadways have numbered 51,832. A leading cause of fatalities continues to be alcohol, with distracted driving and a lack of seat belt use also being major causes.

To decrease the chances of roadway crashes and fatalities, TxDOT reminds drivers to:

• Buckle seatbelt – all passengers need to be buckled
• Never drink and drive – drunk driving kills; get a sober ride home
• Pay attention – put phone away and avoid distractions
• Drive the speed limit – always follow speed limits and drive slower speeds when weather or conditions warrant

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 Oct. 15, 2015.