April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month.

Published 04/01/2026

According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), in 2024, “nearly one in five crashes on Texas roads were caused by a distracted driver.” 373 people died and 2,587 were seriously injured in these crashes. 

Distractions while driving can include:

• Cell phone use: this includes texting, taking or making phone calls, recording videos, using social media, and checking or sending email
• Passengers and pets inside the vehicle
• Events outside the vehicle (i.e., construction, other vehicles, pedestrians, a crash)
• Eating
• Adjusting your GPS, music, podcast, or audiobook
• Using your vehicle’s touchscreens

All distractions can be dangerous. Distracted driving can impact both drivers and passengers. In Texas, it is illegal to read, write, or send a text while driving. Violators can face a fine of up to $200.

TxDOT safety tips: 

• Always give driving your full attention. 
• Pull off the road entirely and come to a complete stop before you talk or text. 
• Put your phone away, turn it off, or use an app or your phone settings to block texts and calls or send auto-reply to texts while you are driving.
• Tell friends, family, and coworkers you won’t respond to calls or texts when you are behind the wheel.

Remember that all distractions are dangers, so pay full attention when behind the wheel. 

April 6-12, 2026, is National Public Health Week.

Published 04/01/2026

During National Public Health Week, we want to recognize the role public health plays in creating safer, healthier communities.  Public health includes both disease prevention and the promotion of good health practices. Emergency responders, health educators, public policymakers, researchers, nutritionists, and social workers are just a few examples of public health professionals that make a difference in communities. Public health activities can include vaccination programs, educational campaigns, school nutrition programs, and measurement of the effectiveness of these programs.  

The Injury Prevention Unit celebrates Texas Injury Prevention Champions during National Public Health Week and all year long. These champions are public health professionals and everyday Texans working to prevent injuries and create a safer, healthier Texas.

Do you know a Texas Injury Prevention Champion making a difference in your community? Nominate them to be featured in our Champions of Texas Injury Prevention Newsletter and webpage. 

Visit the American Public Health Association webpage for National Public Health Week resources and events. 

Now Available - Community-based Overdose Reporting Tool

Updated 03/03/2026

Texas Overdose Data to Action (TODA) in collaboration with UTHealth Houston announces the Community-based Overdose Reporting Tool. Anyone can use this tool to report suspected drug poisonings in their local community. You will be asked to select whether you have witnessed a drug poisoning, experienced a drug poisoning, or heard about a drug poisoning secondhand. The report is anonymous.

Reporting helps identify when and how naloxone is used in the community. This feedback can identify naloxone as a vital strategy for fatality prevention and reduce stigma towards carrying naloxone, both of which are essential for fighting drug poisoning deaths in Texas. Go to the Community-based Overdose Reporting Tool and select the option that best fits your circumstance.

Questions? Email us at toda@dshs.texas.gov for additional information and resources.

Additional Drug Poisoning Prevention Resources:

• Texas Naloxone Locator Map – Find free and reduced-cost naloxone in Texas communities
• Naloxone Distribution Container Application – Apply for a free naloxone distribution container
• Naloxone Distribution Checklist – Assess naloxone distribution readiness and learn TODA-recommended best practices