Traffic Maps and Cameras

• The Greater Houston Transportation and Emergency Management Center, also called TranStar, keeps up-to-the minute traffic cameras, maps of construction areas and information about mass transit options on its web site. These cameras live-stream video of Houston's most congested freeways. There are also color-coded maps posted on the site that indicate the maximum speed traffic is moving in those areas. Certain colors indicate that traffic is moving at a slower pace, so drivers who check this site before getting on the road can prepare and take alternate routes if needed.
  
  

Crash Rates

• The Houston-Galveston Area Council, a group of government entities, tracks many aspects of traffic safety, including the rate of crashes. Between 2003 and 2007, major accidents declined. Major accidents were defined as those where someone was injured or killed or had at least $1,000 of vehicle damage. In 2003 there were 119,540 serious crashes. In 2007 there were 105,862 serious crashes, representing an 11.4-percent decline. There was also a 16-percent decline in fatal accidents during the same period and a 25.7-percent decline in accidents where people were injured.
  
  

Cell Phones and Driving

• In Houston, drivers are prohibited from talking on a cell phone while driving in a school zone. It only applies to drivers when school zones are active, and hands-free devices are allowed. Driver's education classes in Texas now must also include segments teaching new drivers about using cell phones while driving.
  
  

Teen Driving

• In the Houston area, nearly one in every four traffic accidents involves a teenage driver. Because of this, Houston has adopted a state program that allows teens to encourage each other to drive safely. These programs are held in high schools and teach students about the dangers of driving while using cell phones and the importance of wearing seat belts.
  
  

Intoxicated Driving

• City law enforcement agencies have attempted to cut down on drunk driving by conducting No-Refusal Weekends. During these weekends, normally held during holidays, anyone arrested for drunk driving who refuses to provide a blood or breath sample is forced to by an on-hand judge who issues a warrant. The practice has led to higher numbers of arrests, which authorities hope will deter drunk driving.