The Lone Star State marks a deadly milestone on Monday as at least one fatality has occurred each and every day on Texas roadways since Nov. 7, 2000. In an effort to end this deadly 16-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.

“Every day for the past 16 years, somebody has lost a spouse, child, friend or neighbor on Texas roadways,” said TxDOT Executive Director James Bass. “These deadly crashes are a sobering reminder that we must do everything in our power to stay focused and safe while driving. We can stop this staggering streak if every driver makes it a priority to be safe, focused and responsible. Let’s end the streak.”

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 16 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 55,578. The leading causes of fatalities continue to be failure to stay in one lane, alcohol and speed.

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

• Buckle seatbelts – all passengers need to be buckled

• Pay attention – put phone away and avoid distractions

• Never drink and drive – drunk driving kills; get a sober ride home

• Drive the speed limit – obey speed limits and drive slower when weather conditions warrant