April is the month when we focus on spreading awareness about distracted driving, and this message isn’t just targeting teens -- everyone, no matter what age is guilty of not giving their full attention to the roadway at some point or another.
In fact, last year, I shared a story with you guys about parents who were notoriously guilty for cell phone use while driving in school zones, an area filled with young students walking, biking getting in and out of cars. A study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, researchers found drivers can experience a “hangover effect” where the mind stays distracted for up to 27 seconds after using smartphones or voice-to-text vehicle infotainment systems to send text messages, make phone calls or update social media. Click here, if you want to ready more on that.
Recommended Videos
According to the Texas Department of Transportation, traffic deaths in Texas work zones increased by 33% last year and claimed the lives of 244 people. The overall number of crashes in Texas highway construction and maintenance areas in 2021, also rose significantly to more than 26,000.
With these alarming statistics in mind, it’s important to share this information in hopes drivers will slow down, stay alert and off of their phones when driving to protect themselves and those around them.
Now, don’t forget, distracted driving doesn’t just mean being on a cell phone while behind the wheel -- it’s literally any activity that takes your attention away from the road. Here’s a list of some of the craziest activities drivers get into while driving.
It’s rare, but a study found that 3.5% of drivers in the U.S. have tweezed their eyebrows and almost 2% have shaved their legs or even changed their baby’s diapers, all while driving.
According to The Zebra, if you get a ticket for texting and driving your insurance could potentially go up about $806 on top of what you are already paying. So, remember if you decide to break the law, not only are you putting yourself and others in danger, prepare to pay a pretty penny!
Drive safely my friends :)
KPRC 2 traffic expert
Have a traffic question? I can help.
What do you want to know about Houston traffic? Ask here! And if you want your question answered live on TV, send me a video of yourself asking your traffic question in a private message on my Facebook page here!
Airports
The Houston Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs, through the City of Houston’s Civic Art Program and on behalf of the Houston Airport System, is requesting submissions of qualifications from artists and artist teams to design, fabricate and install five major permanent works of public art for the new international terminal at the George Bush Intercontinental Airport. Five separate Requests for Qualifications to commission artworks for the following key architectural spaces in the new international terminal are here.
Recent questions
Construction closures
Art Car Parade is happening this weekend! Here’s a look at some of those road closures associated with the festival:
- Thursday, April 7, 2022 – Festival Site Set Up McKinney from Bagby to Smith (North Curb Lane) Walker from Bagby to Smith (South Curb Lane) at 9:00 a.m.
- Friday, April 8, 2022 - Festival Site Set Up McKinney from Bagby to Smith (Two North Cub Lanes) at 8:00 a.m. Walker from Bagby to Smith (North and South Curb Lanes) at 8:00 a.m. Outbound Allen Parkway (North bike lane only) between Bagby and I-45 overpass at 8:00 a.m. Bike Lane on Bagby between Walker and McKinney at 8:00 a.m.
- Saturday, April 9, 2022 – Additional Festival Closures McKinney from Smith to Bagby at 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Louisiana (West Curb Lane) from Lamar to Walker at 7:00 a.m. for Uber/Lyft drop off. Walker from Smith to Bagby at 7:00 a.m. Smith (Two West Curb Lanes) from Dallas to Rusk at 7:00 a.m. Heiner from Allen Parkway to Dallas at 7:00 a.m. Allen Parkway Exit Ramps at I-45 North and Southbound Exits at 7:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Walker (North Curb Lane) from Louisiana to Smith at 9:00 a.m. Lamar (North Curb Lane) from Smith to Brazos at 9:00 a.m. McKinney Exit Ramp at I-45 Southbound at 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.
Five big projects
Get your traffic news, maps and route planner 24/7 at Click2Houston.com/traffic.