Texas: Unexpected Side Effect of Traffic Safety Messages

By Walter E. Block
 
The Texas Department of Transportation has implemented a new policy, in an attempt to reduce highway fatalities (which hover just under 40,000 people slaughtered annually on a national basis). This new initiative involves posting large digital signs near the roadways depicting the exact number of Texas residents who perish on state roadways.
 
At the outset, one might be forgiven for thinking this a good idea. What better way to scare the pants off of motorists and encourage the...