Texas is working to end the daily streak of deaths on its roadways through its annual “End the Streak” campaign. But despite years of progress, deadly crashes remain a major concern, especially in Harris County.
According to TxDOT, Harris County leads the state in DWI fatalities. However, traffic crash data from the last four years shows some improvement. From 2022 to 2025, alcohol-related fatal crashes decreased by 28%.
TxDOT says the campaign is about reminding drivers that every decision behind the wheel matters. It has now been more than 26 years since Texas last had a death-free day on its roadways. That streak began on Nov. 7, 2000.
TxDOT Public Information Officer Danny Perez says the consequences of dangerous driving decisions can extend beyond the person behind the wheel.
“A lot of times we are seeing that person survive, and they cause a crash and then it’s the other person that dies,” Perez said.
Drivers are encouraged to plan before going out. Anyone drinking should arrange for a designated driver, use a rideshare service or take public transportation rather than getting behind the wheel.
PEDESTRIAN SAFETY
The campaign also highlights the importance of protecting pedestrians. For Maybel Wong, that message is personal. Her 73-year-old mother, Shuet Wong, was killed while crossing Houston Street in November 2024.
Maybel says her mother was following the rules, waiting for the walk signal before crossing. But just steps from reaching the median, a truck hit her. Shuet was thrown 62 feet from the crosswalk.
Maybel says the driver said they did not see her mother. A picture of Shuet’s wallet shows scuff marks on her cards that were once inside, after the crash, offering a glimpse into the severity of the impact. Her death is a reminder that pedestrian safety requires both people on foot and drivers to do their part.
TxDOT’s “End the Streak” campaign encourages Texans to slow down, put away distractions, watch for pedestrians, buckle up and never drive impaired.
Texas has gone more than 26 years without a single day free of traffic deaths. More than 95,000 people have died on Texas roads since the last death-free day.
Behind every number is someone who never made it home.
