SAN ANGELO, Texas — Representatives from several of San Angelo’s law enforcement agencies gathered at TxDOT’s headquarters to discuss road safety and ending the streak of traffic deaths in Texas. And as cold weather ramps up, TxDOT says it’s ready with brine trucks, maintainers and snowplows.
“Our mentality is to overprepare, so you don’t underperform. So, right now, what we’re doing is calibrating our equipment to be sure that whenever we start to pretreat the roads ahead of a winter storm, that we have that equipment ready," TxDOT Public Information Officer Jewel Schoppe said.
And while preparation is important, one officer said ending the streak will take a partnership between TxDOT, law enforcement and a third party.
“If we’re gonna get this together, we need a third player in this, and that’s the motoring public. If we can do all that together and come together as a team, there you go, we’ve ended the streak," Texas Highway Patrol Sergeant Justin Baker said.
Baker also said that patrols will be increased and its all in the service of the driver. Schoppe also said TxDOT can prepare and clear roads, but driver safety ultimately falls on the motorists.
“Really, it’s up to the driver behind the wheel to make sure they’re driving slow enough, paying attention to the road in front of them and most importantly, staying home if they don’t have to travel.”