Distracted Driving Awareness Month: Harris County Sheriff’s Office Urges Drivers to Stay Focused and Safe Behind the Wheel
As April marks Distracted Driving Awareness Month, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) is urging residents to take a closer look at the risks of inattentive driving—both on major roadways and in their own neighborhoods.
Every year, thousands of lives are lost due to distracted driving incidents. Whether it’s a text message, a bite of food, or changing a song on the radio, these seemingly small distractions can lead to devastating, life-altering crashes.
“Each year, countless lives are tragically lost when drivers lose focus behind the wheel,” said Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez. “A momentary distraction can cause a lifetime of pain.”
The Reality in Harris County
Harris County continues to grapple with the real-world consequences of distracted and reckless driving, particularly in the form of hit-and-run crashes. In 2023 alone, the Houston Police Department (HPD) recorded 26,880 hit-and-run incidents, but only 310 were cleared and presented to the district attorney's office. In the first five months of 2024, HPD recorded an additional 10,609 hit-and-runs—a staggering figure that highlights the urgent need for driver accountability.
To combat these rising numbers, the Sheriff’s Office launched “Sheriff’s Connection: Driven to Justice,” a compelling video series that shines a light on the impact of dangerous driving behaviors and the relentless work of HCSO’s Vehicular Crimes Division.
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“These aren’t just crashes—they’re crimes that steal lives,” said Sheriff Gonzalez. “Through this series, we hope to bring justice to families and raise awareness about how preventable these tragedies truly are.”
Distracted Driving Hits Close to Home
While major highways often dominate traffic safety headlines, data shows that neighborhood streets are statistically more dangerous than many realize. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 52% of crashes occur within five miles of home, and 69% within ten miles—emphasizing the importance of staying alert even during short, routine trips.
In fact, a 2022 report by AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that the comfort of familiar surroundings often leads to complacency, increasing the likelihood of driver distraction.
“Distracted driving doesn’t just happen on highways—it happens in your own neighborhood, on your own street,” said Sheriff Gonzalez. “That’s why this issue hits so close to home, literally and figuratively.”
Staying Focused: Simple Steps Can Save Lives
As part of its educational outreach, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office encourages residents to follow these safe driving tips:
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Put Your Phone Away: Use hands-free technology or activate “Do Not Disturb” mode.
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Avoid Multitasking: Don’t eat, apply makeup, or adjust vehicle controls while driving.
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Prepare Before You Drive: Set your GPS, mirrors, and music before starting your car.
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Rest if Needed: Pull over if you feel drowsy, anxious, or overwhelmed.
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Lead by Example: Model good behavior and talk about safe driving with friends and family.
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Encourage Accountability: Set ground rules for passengers to help minimize distractions.
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Drive Defensively: Watch for erratic drivers and stay alert to changing road conditions.
“Every time we get behind the wheel, we’re making a choice—to be focused or to be distracted,” said Sheriff Gonzalez. “Choose focus. Choose safety. Choose life.”
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Raising Awareness Through Real Stories
The “Sheriff’s Connection: Driven to Justice” series opens with the heartbreaking story of Alex Cerda, a 37-year-old man killed in a hit-and-run while riding his bike on C.E. King Parkway in northeast Harris County. The vehicle fled the scene, and the case remains unsolved.
Deputy Ben Troyer of the Vehicular Crimes Division continues to call on the public for help. “Someone out there knows something. We can’t bring Alex back, but we can bring closure to his family,” said Deputy Troyer.
Crime Stoppers of Houston is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest. Tipsters can remain anonymous by calling 713-521-TIPS.
A Call to Action for Harris County Drivers
As the community observes Distracted Driving Awareness Month, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office hopes to turn awareness into action. By highlighting local tragedies, offering practical safety tips, and encouraging responsible behavior behind the wheel, HCSO aims to reduce preventable crashes and bring justice to affected families.
“Distracted driving is preventable,” said Sheriff Gonzalez. “Please stay focused, drive responsibly, and help us make our roads safer for everyone.”
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
