Traffic fatalities are a major cause of preventable deaths in Texas. With 3,721 fatalities related to motor vehicle collisions occurring in Texas in 2017, this represents a significant number of preventable deaths. Texas House Bill 62 was signed in to law into law by Governor Abbot on June 6, 2017, and took effect September 1, 2017. This law imposes a fine on drivers that are texting and driving or using a mobile device, not in a hands-free mode. Seatbelts have been identified to reduce mortality after their widespread introduction; further efforts can be made through the identification of current causes of mortality related to traffic accidents. A comprehensive assessment of causes influencing fatal traffic accidents can give researchers further information on how to target further mortality reduction campaigns.
