Monday, November 7, 2022, was the 22nd anniversary of daily deaths on Texas roadways since November 7, 2000. In the first half of 2022, over half of those killed in crashes were not wearing their seatbelts. “Of the 40 people who died in crashes in the Atlanta District in the first half of this year, 21 of them were not wearing seat belts,” said TxDOT Atlanta District Engineer Rebecca Wells. “Seat belts really can save lives, and we encourage everyone to take two seconds to buckle up,” she added.
The Atlanta District comprises Bowie, Cass, Camp, Harrison, Marion, Morris, Panola, Titus, and Upshur Counties. The nine-county district is currently seeing the highest percentage in the history of unbelted people killed in crashes, according to the data collected from 2012 through June 30, 2022.
Staff Sargent Gregg Williams stated “The use of seat belts appears to be on the downward trend. Fatalities of mo torists involved in crashes and not wearing seat belts have jumped from 29 percent in 2020 to 53 percent in the first half of 2022.” Sergeant Williams added “According to Texas law, a motor vehicle which has a seat belt installed at the driver’s seat shall not be driven unless the driver has properly restrained themselves with the seat belt. Children under eight years old and under 4 feet 9 inches tall must be properly fitted into a child safety seat or a booster seat. All others must wear seat belts. It’s the law. Last year, our area saw the most fatalities in recent history with the deaths of 134 people. We are asking people to take just two seconds to buckle up. It could save their lives.”