TxDMV Suspends Listening Tour Because Nobody Was Listening

In an effort to solicit public input on their services and policies, the Texas Department of Transportation embarked on a statewide campaign they dubbed 'Listening Tours.' The idea was to get as much input as possible from the citizens they served. The idea was sound and they put a great deal of effort into it. The only problem was that hardly anybody showed up to offer any input. There is a silver lining to the lack attendance, accord to one TxDMV employee: There must not be a widespread problem with what they have been doing so far. The TxDMV said it will re-evaluate its public input process and likely try a different approach sometime in the future.

"We still want to hear from you," says TxDMV Board Chairman Victor Vandergriff. "We want you to know that you have a voice in shaping the state's newest agency." Vandergriff said holding listening tours across the state was not proving a good use of taxpayer dollars. "We were happy to travel to these cities to meet with the public in person, but we do not want to tie up TxDMV staff time and pay travel expenses if attendance is showing us we can better use those resources to serve the motoring public and industry in other ways." The first sessions seem to indicate the motoring public does not have a collective pressing issue with the agency. "That's the good news," Vandergriff said.

Texas Drivers: Here’s Your Sign

The Texas Department of Transportation sure means business after checking out a recent traffic safety audit. This report shows that even though traffic deaths have dropped across the state over the last five years, they still hang way over the national average. The five year decline in Texas traffic fatalities was about 15 percent, while the decline nationwide was more than 21 percent. This information has prompted the Texas department of Transportation to resort to scare tactics to convince drivers to slow down and use caution whether they are making a quick trip to the supermarket or heading across the county. Starting this week the Texas Department of Transportation will begin installing 700 illuminated road signs which will display the current number of highway traffic fatalities in the state. The signs will be mounted over highways and along busy thoroughfares across the state.

"As long as we have a single traffic death we have more work to do. We think that displaying the number of people that have died in traffic crashes to date will have a direct impact on driving behavior. We want to make sure that people arrive at their intended destination safely every time," said said Phil Wilson, TxDOT executive director.

It also seems likely that police are aware of the problem facing state safety officials and will step up their efforts at reminding drivers to use caution when driving anywhere.

Texas Traffic Deaths Down, But Still Too High

In Texas, the number of traffic deaths has fallen around 15 percent over the last five years, although they remain above the national average. According to a Texas State Audit issued by the Texas Department of Transportation recently, the state had 3,028 traffic deaths following 234 billion miles of driving. That is equal to about 1.23 deaths per 100 million miles driven, the formulation used by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for determining how safe a road is to drive on. The death rate in 2006 was 1.5 per every 100 million miles driven in Texas and has fallen consistently every year since then. In 2006, by comparison, the death rate was 1.5 deaths per 100 million miles traveled in Texas. The rate fell every year between 2006 and 2010. Meanwhile the nation rate, during that same period, fell to a low of 1.11 in 2010 (the last year with available figures. That is a decline of almost 22 percent, far greater than has been seen in Texas during the same time period. As drivers and the vehicles they operate become safer, the expectation is that traffic fatalities will decline. While there are signs that is what is happening, situations such as the higher traffic fatality rate on Texas roads versus the national average have some public safety officials wondering if enough is being done to not only stem the tide of roadway deaths, but educate drivers about just how much their driving matters. The My Improv Online Traffic School focuses on defensive driving and reminds drivers that safety matters most when it comes to how they drive. Even a short trip to the grocery store can suddenly turn deadly if a driver loses focus on what their priorities are behind the wheel. It seems likely that in light of this recent audit by the Texas Department of Transportation that police will step up their efforts to remind drivers "safety first" possibly through the use of increased patrols and most definitely through the use of deterrents to bad driving behavior such as traffic citations.

Texas Police Focus On Drunk Driving

Texas police start this week with the "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" campaign to catch drunk drivers and enforce DUI laws. Texas is just one the states participating in a nationwide campaign aimed directly at drunk driving. The effort is underscored by recent reports from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration showing that incidents of drunk driving are not declining the way they hoped. Texas police plan an all-out campaign to find and cite anyone they suspect of being under the influence of alcohol while driving. They are planning roaming patrols, and random DUI traffic checkpoints. Oklahoma police will also be focusing on the nationwide campaign and where available will be working in cooperation with Texas police to keep drunk drivers off the road and behind bars.

"Drunk driving is one of Americas deadliest crimes and it is also one of the most preventative. It all involves a decision not to drink and then operate a vehicle," says Joe Clark, Captain of the Durant Police Department. Clark along with officers around Texoma want you to make the right decision. The "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" campaign kicks off August 17th through September 3rd. Officers will be out in record numbers to enforce the law on area roadways.

Some Texas Employees Get Driving Simulator

Potter County has a nifty gadget giving employees a shot at driving without hitting the road. This driving simulator lets them hop behind the wheel and practice all things driving without facing any real-world hazards. Think of it like a video game but with a steering wheel and pedals, right at work! It’s a smart move. They brush up on their skills, imagine zipping down streets, and all without leaving the safety of their desks. It’s not just safe but a clever way to sharpen their instincts and reflexes like lightning. The Texas Association of Counties is making the driving simulator available to county employees in an effort to reduce risk of vehicle accidents. State and local governments around the country are looking at ways of reducing their cost for employee health insurance and liability. The use of driving simulators is one such tool which can aid in keeping employees safe. Vehicle collisions continue to be the leading cause of serious injury and death and insurance companies have consistently raised their premiums in an effort to offset costs associated with resolving these crashes. Any efforts to reduce the likelihood of a crash is viewed as a positive. Especially when you consider that the Texas Association of Counties is making the new driving simulator available for free to Potter County employees and will likely move the simulator around the state when all Potter County employees have completed the program.

Drive Friendly And Safe In Texas

Texas Department of Transportation is taking their new safe driving public safety campaign to the next level by trying to convince drivers to also "drive safe." TxDOT has long held the belief that convincing drivers to "drive friendly" would lead to a reduction in vehicle collisions, however that technique has not worked as well as they had hoped. Specifically they point to an increase in the number of crashes involving vehicles and pedestrians. Also, the addition of handheld devices to the mix and a surge in the number of crashes involving distracted driving seem to indicate the state will need more than "friendly drivers" to turn around this trend.

Each year, Texas sees high numbers of crashes and fatalities involving pedestrians and bicyclists; in fact, in 2011, vehicles struck thousands of pedestrians and bicyclists resulting in 418 pedestrian fatalities and 45 bicyclist fatalities. These statistics, combined with 14,617 work zone crashes resulting in 115 deaths, has prompted TxDOT’s effort. “As students return to school and throughout the year, remember to watch for pedestrians and bicyclists. There’s no better time to remind drivers to get back-to-basics when it comes to safety on our roads,” said Carol Rawson, director, Traffic Operations Division of TxDOT. “We also want to remind our fellow Texans that TxDOT works year round to improve roads with upgrades and repairs; this work results in changing conditions on roadways, which is why it’s extremely important for drivers to remain alert at all times.”

Drivers in Yexas can expect increased police patrols with citations being issued to drivers who regularly violate even minor traffic laws or demonstrate an inability to maintain decorum on Texas roadways.

Texas DMV Or Texas DPS: Which Is Right For You?

If you are looking for assistance with your Texas driver's license or vehicle registration you need to first make certain you are going to the right place.There is a Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, which is responsible with overseeing the "state’s motor vehicle services that provide consumer protection, assist motor vehicle-related businesses and raise revenue for the state." But there is also a Texas Department of Public Services which is where you get your driver's license. Both these agencies have their own web site which spell out exactly what services they provide, so make certain you pick the right one before sending off your questions or you might not get the answers you are looking for.

TxDPS:

• Renew your driver license or ID
• Change your address on your driver license or ID
• Track a driver license or ID that you recently renewed or changed
• Request a driver record
• Schedule a driving test (not available in all offices)

Support Texas: Register Your Vehicle!

Texas state officials openly share that they rake in a lot of money from the fees collected for licenses and registrations every year. This cash flow fuels the building of new roads, fixes up the old ones, keeps bridges sturdy, and lifts the financial health of the state. Curious about where all those dimes and nickels go when you're renewing your car tag? Well, now you know it's for smoother rides, sturdier paths, and a financially stronger Texas. Keep reading to discover more intriguing details about the state's infrastructure magic. At the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles web site you can find out more about exactly how much state revenue is collected from license and registrations each year and exactly how that money is spent. You can see the amount of public education the state conducts each year to help people understand that when they register their car or pay a fee for a license renewal they are not only staying on the right side of the law, they are also helping their state succeed economically.

Motor vehicle owners in Texas are required by law to register their vehicles annually. Vehicle registration fees contribute almost $1.3 billion a year to build and maintain state and county roads. By making sure your registration is current, you're paying for roads and making a difference in your own backyard. Plus, you receive the peace of mind that comes from knowing you're in full compliance with the law - meaning no citations, no fines and no headaches. For these reasons, it's important to "Check the date. Love your state." Put Texas in your corner®." It's not just the law, it's the right thing to do. You may also find out what's great about being a registered Texan and visit us on Facebook.

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Texas Sees Drop In Uninsured Drivers

Texas is seeing fewer uninsured drivers on its roads, which spells good news for both the Lone Star State and the world of insurance. This change means that if you ever get into a fender bender while driving in Texas, there's a higher chance the other driver has insurance to help manage costs. Having proper vehicle insurance is not only polite and a good idea, it is also the law in Texas where a state mandated minimum coverage is now required of all drivers. A state sponsored program called TexasSure was instituted in 2009 and has been largely credited with the recent improvement in the number of insured motorists.

Statistics compiled in June indicate 13 percent of motorists, or about 2.6 million Texans, are driving without minimum insurance coverage, which is a violation of state law. One year ago, the state reported that about 22 percent of all drivers, or 4.2 million people, had no insurance. “If this number is on target, the rest of Texas drivers can breathe a big sigh of relief that they are now less likely to get into an accident with an uninsured driver. It would appear that the program is becoming a real success,” Sandra Helin of Southwestern Insurance Information Service, an insurance industry group, told The Dallas Morning News. Texas Department of Insurance spokesman Jerry Hagins said the drop in the number of uninsured drivers resulted both from fixing the state’s driver database to make it more accurate and improved compliance with the mandatory insurance law.

‘Road Rage’ Problem In Bexar County

Road rage isn't just an issue in crowded cities like New York and Los Angeles; it's something drivers face everywhere. It's not only about physical altercations between drivers. Aggressive behaviors, like speeding, zig-zagging through traffic, or driving with a bad attitude, can land you in trouble. Stay calm behind the wheel, whether you're in a busy city or a small town. In fact, a recent newspaper report cited the community of Bexar County, home of San Antonio, as the leader in road rage incidents in Texas.

From 2007 to 2011, police throughout Texas cited road rage as a contributing factor in more than 4,400 crashes that injured more than 1,950 people and killed 32. Road rage crashes have decreased in the state in the last four years, as accidents peaked in 2008 with almost 970 wrecks. There were 804 road rage crashes last year. From 2007 to 2011, police officers and sheriff's deputies in Bexar County cited road rage as a contributing factor in 680 wrecks that injured 280 people, the San Antonio Express-News reported (http://bit.ly/MaFcjw) Sunday.

Bexar County is the 19th most populated county in the United States, so it's not a small community, but that is still not an answer as to why they are seeing more road rage cases there than in larger cities like Dallas, Fort Worth or Houston.

Texas Plates Better Be Legible

Texas drivers should know it's not only about what you can see and do in your vehicle, but also about what the police can see. Texas police need to be able to clearly see your vehicle license plate at all times. You can add a frame around it if you like, but don't put a filter over it, or any sort of cover which might make it difficult for police to clearly read it or you will be afoul of the law. Texas Department of Motor Vehicles is very clear on this point at their web site:

What does "law enforcement legibility" and "reflectivity" mean? Legibility is the ease in which law enforcement may clearly read a plate's letters and numbers. Reflectivity allows the plate to be seen from long distances at night and is helpful in locating vehicles at night or off roads.

There is also a state law which requires Texas drivers to be certain their license is clearly visible at all times. That means your license plate light needs to be functional and bright enough to completely illuminate your license plate at night. If you violate these orders you run the risk of receiving a vehicle citation from an unhappy police officer. She will be unhappy because having a visible license is not only the law, it's a way of keeping you and your vehicle safe.

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Provisional Driving Licenses In Texas

All Texas drivers under the age of 18 years must participate in the state’s graduated licensing program if they expect to drive legally. Texas is one of many states which use a provisional driver's license for new drivers to help them gradually adjust to life behind the wheel.

There is no substitute for experience when it comes to operating a motor vehicle and states like Texas understand this. That’s why they use a graduated licensing program to slowly add privileges to new drivers as they complete certain steps in the program. The more they learn, the more experience they have, the more driving they can do until they finally (hopefully) graduate to a full driving license.

Understanding Texas’s Graduated Driver License Program (GDL)

The Graduated Driver License (GDL) program in Texas is a multi-step process designed to ease teens into full driving privileges. The GDL has three phases:

1. Learner’s Permit (or Instruction Permit): For those aged 15 and older, this permit allows you to drive only with a licensed adult in the passenger seat.
2. Provisional Driver’s License: After holding a learner’s permit for six months and meeting other requirements, you can drive without supervision but under certain restrictions.
3. Full Driver’s License: Upon turning 18, if all conditions have been met, you can transition to an unrestricted license.

The GDL process has been proven to reduce fatal crashes among teenage drivers by giving them a chance to develop their skills in a controlled manner. Texas implements this program to help prevent accidents and save lives.

What is a Provisional Driver’s License?

The provisional driver’s license in Texas is the intermediate step between the learner’s permit and the full, unrestricted driver’s license. This license grants more freedom than the learner’s permit, but it still comes with key restrictions aimed at protecting young drivers and others on the road.

Once you’ve met the criteria outlined by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), you will be eligible for a provisional license. Let’s break down the details.

Benefits of the Graduated Licensing Program

This licensing program not only gives new drivers hands-on experience, it helps them become safer drivers. The benefits of this graduated licensing program are life-saving. There is evidence that using this provisional driver's license method reduces fatalities in teen driving accidents. Since the state requires a certain amount of supervised driving, along with restricted responsibilities like: no driving at night and limited teen passengers; it gives young drivers more time and experience on the road before they can go out on their own.

Driver Education Requirements in Texas

According to Texas law, the Department may not issue a driver license to a person who is under 18 years of age unless the person successfully completes an approved driver education course. Teens and young adults under 18 may meet this requirement by completing courses offered by private commercial driving schools, through public schools, or the parent taught program.

The Parent Taught Driver Education (PTDE) program is offered by the Department for parents, and other family members, who wish to provide instruction to their teen driver(s). Can’t decide if you want to be the instructor? View our checklist for the differences between parent taught and commercial/public school driver education programs.

NOTE: All driver licenses, other than a learner license, issued to persons under 18 years of age will be marked “Provisional.” The provisional license will be vertical and will be dated to expire on the applicant’s 18th birthday or next birthday occurring after the date of issuance. No renewal notice will be sent as the applicant must present Verification of Enrollment and Attendance from their school for each renewal.

Restrictions of the Texas Provisional Driver’s License

Although the provisional license gives teens more freedom, it still comes with several restrictions that must be followed to ensure safety on the road:

What You Can Do:

• Drive With Family Members: You can have family member in the car, even if they are under the age of 21.
• One Non-Family Passenger Under 21: You are allowed to have one non-family passenger under the age of 21 in the vehicle.
• Daytime and Evening Driving: You can drive between 5:00 a.m. and midnight.

What You Cannot Do:

• Drive Between Midnight and 5:00 a.m.: With exceptions for driving to or from work, school functions, or emergencies, you are prohibited from driving during these hours.
• Drive With More Than One Non-Family Passenger Under 21: The license holder cannot have more than one passenger who is under 21, excluding family members in the car at a time.
• Use a Cell Phone: You cannot use any mobile device while driving, even if it’s hands-free. This rule applies unless there is an emergency.

Failing to adhere to these rules can result in fines, penalties, and potential suspension of your provisional license.

Tips for New Drivers in Texas

Driving is a privilege that comes with great responsibility. To stay safe and make the most of your provisional license, keep these tips in mind:

• Stay Off the Phone: No matter the situation, avoid using your phone while driving. Not only is it illegal, but it’s one of the leading causes of accidents.
• Drive Defensively: Always be aware of your surroundings and anticipate the actions of other drivers.
• Practice Good Judgment: If you’re unsure about driving in bad weather or other challenging conditions, it’s better to wait it out.
• Always Buckle Up: Wearing your seatbelt can save your life. Make it a habit to buckle up before starting your car, and ensure your passengers do the same.

Conclusion

The provisional driver’s license in Texas provides young drivers with a structured and safe way to gain driving experience. By following the rules and restrictions of the provisional license, new drivers can develop their skills and confidence behind the wheel. For teens and parents alike, the process might seem daunting, but with the right preparation and adherence to the guidelines, getting a provisional license is a critical step toward driving independence.

If you are ready to take the next step, enrolling in a Texas driver’s education program is your first move toward obtaining your provisional license and becoming a responsible driver on the road.

Reckless Driver Crashes Dallas Mall

A man in Dallas got arrested for driving his pickup truck into a local mall, smashing a double glass door, some kiosks, and even a gate. Did I mention he wasn't wearing any clothes? Fortunately the mall had not yet opened for the day when the driver, Arthur Walker, decided to make a grand entrance. Police said they found him inside the Champs Sports store when they got there. He was allegedly trying on clothes when police put the cuffs on him. Police have said Walker did not seem to be "in his right mind" and he was arrested and taken to a local hospital for further assessment. There are times when you need new sneakers, or even a new pair of pants, and you might be desperate for them. But crashing into a store window to get them is just not the right thing to do. Just because the mall wasn't open doesn't a security guard or some other personnel wouldn't be walking around inside. Then your "shopping spree" could turn into a murderous assault in the blink of an eye. Plus, defensive drivers know enough to put their clothes on before getting behind the wheel of their vehicle.

Officers found him putting on socks and a new pair of Nike Jordan sneakers, WFAA-TV says. Paramedics took him to the hospital for evaluation before he was transferred to the local lockup. He is being held on a burglary charge. "My assessment is he wasn't in his right mind," said Sgt. Elliott Forge. It wasn't immediately clear what prompted the early-bird shopping spree, but police said that shortly before, Walker was involved in a domestic dispute about a mile away. Crews cleaned up the damage in time for the mall's normal opening.

Texas Woman Arrested For Speed Trap Warning

A woman in Texas found herself in the county jail for half a day and now has a misdemeanor charge over "standing in the street when there's a sidewalk there." The woman, Natalie Plummer, is a resident of Houston who was riding her bicycle home from the grocery store when she noticed the police speed trap. She stopped her bike and used a grocery bag to write a sign warning drivers of the impending speed trap. Unfortunately for her, police noticed what she was doing and arrested her. In some states it is illegal to warn other drivers about speed traps or DUI checkpoints. Even flashing your headlights is sometimes enough to warrant you a citation or even an arrest for obstruction of justice. Texas does not have such a law but police frown on activity which inhibits their ability to ensure public safety. They might not be able to arrest you for warning drivers of impending speed traps, but they can find other ways of getting you out of their way.

Michael Dirden, Houston's executive assistant police chief, said in a statement that if Plummer believes the police acted inappropriately, she should file a complaint with the department's internal affairs division. After being held in jail for 12 hours, Plummer was released on bond, and will soon appear in court to face her misdemeanor charge. While Plummer's method of alerting drivers to police activity might have been unprecedented, state laws covering such warnings are decades old. Their most common form, flashing headlights, is legal in some states but illegal in others. Laws in New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia and Florida allow headlight flashing, while other states, such as Arizona and Alaska, forbid it. In Washington, drivers may be fined $124 for flashing their high beams within 400 feet of another vehicle for any reason. Other states forbid headlight flashing in some circumstances but not in others.

Texas Still Debating Texting Ban

Texans sure value their independence, especially with texting and driving rules. The Lone Star State isn't keen on a statewide ban against distracted driving. Instead, Texas leaders believe each city should call the shots on what's best for its folks. But the unanswered question is, does Texas NEED a statewide ban on distracted driving? More than a few people who live in the state, especially those engaged in public safety work, say, "yes" and they have the statistics which they say proves their point. These individuals point to the effectiveness of cell phone bans in New York and California; the lives they save and the fines they collect which have helped increase state revenue, as evidence of their effectiveness.

New York's 2010 accident rates seem miniscule compared to Texas' cellphone accident rates. That same year in the Lone Star state, 46 people lost their lives in cellphone-related crashes and nearly 3,400 accidents were caused by cellphone use. Texas has some of the most lenient cellphone laws in the country. In Texas, texting while driving and hand-held cellphone use is legal for all drivers except for novice drivers in their first year of licensure and school bus drivers with passengers under the age of 17. While Texans appreciate the state's culture of individual freedom, the use of electronic devices leads to distraction behind the wheel and puts other drivers and road users in danger. What's more, lack of state cellphone laws also means the state misses out on crucial funding opportunities. In New York, each cellphone offense results in a fine of $150; in California, the base fine for a first offense is $20 and subsequent offenses are $50. These fines increase when penalties are assessed. These fines add up and contribute funding that can be used to improve infrastructure and other state needs.

Texas Map Now Online

Drivers in Texas get a cool online map app showing real-time construction and **roadway hazards**. You can see traffic and **driving conditions** for all Texas roads and highways. The Texas Department of Transportation came up with this new app, and it's free for drivers. But remember, the TxDOT says you should pull over and stop before you check any electronic gadget. Texas drivers who want to use the new app can simply download it, then enter their starting point and destination. The map will then access all available current data for the route and report on driving conditions, traffic delays, hazards; whatever the driver might expect to encounter along their trip. It is hoped the new app will help alleviate at least some traffic congestion problems and make commuting and travel around the state easier and less frustrating for everyone.

And for those on the go, a mobile-friendly version is available. To use Drive Texas™ while en route, motorists should pull off the highway to a safe location or have a passenger access the service. Although highway condition information has been available to the public for years on www.TxDOT.gov, Drive Texas™ is a more robust, user-friendly interface that puts information right at the user's fingertips in an easy-to-find format. “People are mobile and want traffic and road conditions before and during their trip,” said Margo Richards, TxDOT’s Travel Information Division Director. “Drive Texas™ will make it easier to plan trips, avoid problem areas, and reach destinations quickly and safely. The goal is to make travel as safe as possible." TxDOT is committed to working with others to provide safe and reliable transportation solutions for Texas. This new feature provides the traveling public with the information they need to plan their trips and arrive safely at destinations.