Sherry Matthews Group
Marilyn Carter
Creative Services Director
Sherry Matthews Group
Austin
Texas
Special Purpose Publication
Texas Road Tips Handbook
Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), Traffic Safety Division
Tom Grodek
Contributor: Sherri Robelia
Title: Traffic Safety Program Manager, Texas Department of Transportation

Contributor: Gwen Rice
Title: Print Production Manager

Contributor: Gwen Williams
Title: Account Director

Doctors, teachers, and many other professionals must continually increase their levels of knowledge to do their jobs well. But what about the millions of drivers who operate two-ton vehicles on shared roadways? Once licensed, they’re not accountable for knowing changing traffic laws or demonstrating they have the skills to safely navigate congested highways, school zones, rainy or icy roads, crosswalks, or other potentially dangerous situations. “Texas Road Tips” is one messaging tool created for the Texas Department of Transportation’s Be Safe. Drive Smart. campaign to educate motorists about the rules of the road and encourage safe and smart driving behaviors.
Distributed to the public through TxDOT traffic safety outreach specialists, campaign partners, and safety advocates, the handbook is designed to be a helpful resource for Texas drivers of all ages as well as pedestrians and bicyclists.
The majority of the handbooks were distributed to TxDOT district offices and campaign partners in September 2019. Before the end of the year, an organization that works with Texas municipal courts asked for an additional 15,000 copies due to strong interest from courtroom judges. TxDOT intends to print more handbooks in 2020 for special events and other outreach activities, and a digital copy of the handbook is available to share online. TxDOT hopes this educational effort will support the Be Safe. Drive Smart. campaign’s overall goal of decreasing traffic crashes, fatalities, and injuries in Texas.
We wanted the public to recognize the value of the information and not see the 20+ page booklet as paper to toss after a quick review. To that end, we included special features aimed at encouraging drivers to keep it handy in their vehicles, such as a gatefold cover with a map of TxDOT’s safety rest areas and travel information centers, a list of information to gather in the event of a crash, and quick-to-read features on Texas traffic laws.
The “Texas Road Tips” handbook packs information about traffic laws, roadway signage, and ways to avoid various crash scenarios in an easy-to-digest format. Infographics and eye-catching visuals highlight safety tips on a dozen topics ranging from aggressive driving to child safety seats, work zone safety, driving while intoxicated, and more.