How dangerous it is to drive and text message at the same time.

Texas Defensive Driving Tip

There were almost 34,000 collision-related deaths and over 2 million collision-related injuries reported in 2009. Over 3,000 of the collision-related deaths and over 200,000 of the collision-related injuries occurred in Texas. Everyday in 2009, someone died on a Texas road. Factors that can contribute to a collision are driving at an unsafe speed, failure to yield the right of way, driving while intoxicated, disregarding traffic lights and signs as well as following too close.

To report an accident that has resulted in death or injury, the driver or someone acting on his or her behalf, must complete Texas Department of Transportation Form C-2. The Texas Department of Transportation maintains accident reports made by drivers and police officers. If someone other than the driver completes and submits the form, an explanation must be included as to why the driver was unable to do so.

The instructions to obtain and fill out the form are as follows:

1. You can get a copy of the Texas Department of Transportation Form C-2 from the Texas Department of Transportation web site at www.dot.state.tx.us.
2. Indicate in the "Location" section where the accident occurred, including the county, city or town, name of street, name of cross streets, whether the accident occurred or did not occur at an intersection, whether the accident occurred on a highway or urban road, if it occurred in a construction zone and the speed limit.
3. Indicate in the "Date" section, the day, date and time of the accident.
4. Indicate in the "Vehicles" section identifying information for both vehicles, such as vehicle identification numbers, make, model, year and type. The driver must use an additional Form C-2 to report any other vehicles involved. Driver's license information for all drivers must also be included in this section, along with insurance information for all vehicles involved and the approximate cost of any repairs.
5. Indicate in the "Injuries" section whether each person named was a driver, passenger or pedestrian, as well as each person's name, address, sex, race and injury or whether or not the person was killed and date of death. The driver must also indicate whether or not a seat belt was used.
6. Write a brief statement about how the accident occurred, using an additional sheet of paper, if necessary. You may include any information about witnesses in your statement. Make sure all information is accurate and that the report is complete. Sign the report, using blue or black ink.

Once the form is completed, it should be mailed to the Department of Transportation within 10 days after the accident at the following address:

Texas Department of Transportation Crash Records

P. O. Box 149349

Austin, TX 78714

The Department of Transportation can be reached by telephone at (512) 486-5780 to answer any questions you may have. Photographs of the accident should not be included because they will not be returned.