We Save Lives supports support HB 443, legislation that would add two words (stop and) in four places in the Texas Transportation Code.

“Take Action and Keep Others from Driving Dangerously”

March 29, 2021

The Honorable Terry Canales, Chair

The Honorable Ed Thompson, Vice Chair

Texas House of Representatives, Transportation Committee

Austin, Texas 78768

Ref: HB443

Dear Representative Canales, Representative Thompson, and all Members of the Texas House Transportation

Committee,

On behalf of We Save Lives, and our more than 50 partners, we are urging you to support HB 443, legislation

that would add two words (stop and) in four places in the Texas Transportation Code. For example, “the

operator of a vehicle shall stop and yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing a roadway in a crosswalk.”

It is our belief that the word “yield,” by itself, does not provide adequate protection to pedestrians, our most

vulnerable road users. Unfortunately, it implies that “yielding” to pedestrians is all that is legally required of

vehicle operators, even if striking a pedestrian is the ultimate result of the driver’s behavior.

My son was run over by an unlicensed and distracted driver when he was only 4 years old. I know only too well

the horrors parents face when their children are killed or injured by drivers who aren’t really focused on their

driving but on their phones and think yielding is enough.

Those who drive under the influence, distracted, or aggressively, among other behaviors, are consciously acting

in a manner that is universally known to increase the chance of an event that could kill and injure innocent

victims. Somehow the word “yield,” by itself without the legal requirement to “stop,” does not seem appropriate

for such dangerous and reckless driving choices while operating a vehicle near pedestrians.

Please support HB 443 and change the Texas Transportation Code by substituting words that adequately

protects pedestrians from becoming traffic victims, both physically and legally. This law will also ensure that

motor vehicle operators are fully aware of their obligation to STOP for pedestrians that have the right-of-way.

We believe this bill will save lives and injuries and encourage safe driving.

Thank you for caring,

Candace Lightner – President – We Save Lives (Founder of MADD)

2850 S. Quincy St. #6943 Arlington VA 22206 clightner@weavelives.org 501c3 Tax Exempt