Roadside Crosses:
A Reminder to
Drive Safely
in Texas

Roadside Crosses: A Reminder to Drive Safely in Texas

Have You Ever Noticed a Roadside Cross?

You’re driving down a Texas highway when you see a small white cross on the roadside. Maybe it’s decorated with flowers, a name, or a message. Have you ever slowed down and wondered—who was that person? What happened here? What did they mean to their family and friends?

Roadside crosses serve as silent memorials, marking the places where lives were lost in traffic accidents. But they also serve as warnings—reminding us that life is fragile and that the choices we make behind the wheel can mean the difference between life and death.

But accidents don’t just affect those who lose their lives. One reckless decision can change everything—for you, your family, and even complete strangers. The consequences of unsafe driving go far beyond the crash itself:

  • Emotional devastation: Families of victims suffer unimaginable grief and loss.
  • Financial hardship: Medical bills, funeral expenses, and legal fees can be overwhelming.
  • Life-altering injuries: Survivors may experience permanent disabilities, chronic pain, or PTSD.
  • Legal consequences: DUI and reckless driving charges can lead to incarceration, suspended licenses, and criminal records.
  • Guilt and regret: Even if you survive, the weight of knowing you caused harm can be unbearable.

Every time you get behind the wheel, you have a choice—to drive responsibly or to risk becoming the reason for another roadside cross.

Top 5 Causes of Car Accidents in Texas

1. Distracted Driving

Texting, eating, adjusting the radio—anything that takes your attention off the road for even a few seconds can lead to disaster.

Texas DOT reports that over 95,000 crashes were caused by distracted driving in 2023.

⚠️ TIP: Remember to stay focused while driving. Distractions aren’t just texting and talking—they include eating, changing music, putting on makeup, or tending to kids. If something needs your attention, pull over safely. It could save your life.

2. Speeding

Speeding reduces reaction time and increases crash severity. The faster you go, the harder it is to avoid a collision.

Nearly 30% of fatal crashes in Texas were due to speeding.

⚠️ TIP: Remember that speeding rarely saves you time. Most of the time, you’ll only get to your destination a few minutes sooner—but at a much greater risk to you and others. Is it worth it?

3. Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

Alcohol and drugs slow reaction times, impair judgment, and make driving extremely dangerous.

In 2024, Texas recorded 2,159 DUI-related fatalities.

⚠️ TIP: Driving under the influence can be avoided with simple planning. Arrange for a designated driver, use a ride share service, take public transportation, or stay where you are. One small decision can prevent a lifetime of regret.

4. Failure to Yield & Running Red Lights

Failing to yield or rushing through red lights often causes T-bone collisions, which can be deadly.

Intersections are among the most dangerous places on Texas roads, responsible for thousands of crashes each year.

⚠️ TIP: Never assume an intersection is safe just because your light turned green. Check for red-light runners. Also, don’t speed through yellow lights—they exist to give drivers time to stop safely, not as a signal to rush through before red.

5. Tailgating & Aggressive Driving

Following too closely doesn’t give you enough time to react if the car ahead suddenly stops.

Rear-end collisions make up nearly 30% of all crashes in Texas.

⚠️ TIP: Tailgating and aggressive driving don’t make you cool—if anything, they make you look like a fool. Instead of the “2-second rule,” use car lengths: Keep at least 5 car lengths (around 100 feet) between you and the car ahead. Increase that distance in bad weather.

Don’t Let This Happen to You – or Someone Else

Every year, thousands of Texans become statistics because of avoidable choices behind the wheel. Some don’t survive, while others are left with lifelong injuries or grief that never fades. The worst part? It’s often an innocent driver, passenger, or pedestrian who pays the ultimate price.

🚨 Will you be the next statistic? Or the reason someone else is?

You have a choice every time you drive. Drive smart. Stay aware. Don’t be the reason for another roadside cross. Learn from the sad and unfortunate experiences of others. Think about the roadside crosses you see and use them as a reminder to drive better.

Roadside Crosses: A Reminder to Drive Safely in Texas

Roadside Crosses: A Reminder to Drive Safely in Texas

Have You Ever Noticed a Roadside Cross?

You’re driving down a Texas highway when you see a small white cross on the roadside. Maybe it’s decorated with flowers, a name, or a message. Have you ever slowed down and wondered—who was that person? What happened here? What did they mean to their family and friends?

Roadside crosses serve as silent memorials, marking the places where lives were lost in traffic accidents. But they also serve as warnings—reminding us that life is fragile and that the choices we make behind the wheel can mean the difference between life and death.

But accidents don’t just affect those who lose their lives. One reckless decision can change everything—for you, your family, and even complete strangers. The consequences of unsafe driving go far beyond the crash itself:

  • Emotional devastation: Families of victims suffer unimaginable grief and loss.
  • Financial hardship: Medical bills, funeral expenses, and legal fees can be overwhelming.
  • Life-altering injuries: Survivors may experience permanent disabilities, chronic pain, or PTSD.
  • Legal consequences: DUI and reckless driving charges can lead to incarceration, suspended licenses, and criminal records.
  • Guilt and regret: Even if you survive, the weight of knowing you caused harm can be unbearable.

Every time you get behind the wheel, you have a choice—to drive responsibly or to risk becoming the reason for another roadside cross.

Top 5 Causes of Car Accidents in Texas

1. Distracted Driving

Texting, eating, adjusting the radio—anything that takes your attention off the road for even a few seconds can lead to disaster.

Texas DOT reports that over 95,000 crashes were caused by distracted driving in 2023.

⚠️ TIP: Remember to stay focused while driving. Distractions aren’t just texting and talking—they include eating, changing music, putting on makeup, or tending to kids. If something needs your attention, pull over safely. It could save your life.

2. Speeding

Speeding reduces reaction time and increases crash severity. The faster you go, the harder it is to avoid a collision.

Nearly 30% of fatal crashes in Texas were due to speeding.

⚠️ TIP: Remember that speeding rarely saves you time. Most of the time, you’ll only get to your destination a few minutes sooner—but at a much greater risk to you and others. Is it worth it?

3. Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

Alcohol and drugs slow reaction times, impair judgment, and make driving extremely dangerous.

In 2024, Texas recorded 2,159 DUI-related fatalities.

⚠️ TIP: Driving under the influence can be avoided with simple planning. Arrange for a designated driver, use a ride share service, take public transportation, or stay where you are. One small decision can prevent a lifetime of regret.

4. Failure to Yield & Running Red Lights

Failing to yield or rushing through red lights often causes T-bone collisions, which can be deadly.

Intersections are among the most dangerous places on Texas roads, responsible for thousands of crashes each year.

⚠️ TIP: Never assume an intersection is safe just because your light turned green. Check for red-light runners. Also, don’t speed through yellow lights—they exist to give drivers time to stop safely, not as a signal to rush through before red.

5. Tailgating & Aggressive Driving

Following too closely doesn’t give you enough time to react if the car ahead suddenly stops.

Rear-end collisions make up nearly 30% of all crashes in Texas.

⚠️ TIP: Tailgating and aggressive driving don’t make you cool—if anything, they make you look like a fool. Instead of the “2-second rule,” use car lengths: Keep at least 5 car lengths (around 100 feet) between you and the car ahead. Increase that distance in bad weather.

Don’t Let This Happen to You – or Someone Else

Every year, thousands of Texans become statistics because of avoidable choices behind the wheel. Some don’t survive, while others are left with lifelong injuries or grief that never fades. The worst part? It’s often an innocent driver, passenger, or pedestrian who pays the ultimate price.

🚨 Will you be the next statistic? Or the reason someone else is?

You have a choice every time you drive. Drive smart. Stay aware. Don’t be the reason for another roadside cross. Learn from the sad and unfortunate experiences of others. Think about the roadside crosses you see and use them as a reminder to drive better.