You cannot live in the state of the Texas and not see this slogan on signs along every highway, city street and rural route in the state. Don’t Mess With Texas means more than don’t litter, but that’s how it got started. The slogan is a catchphrase to 95% of all Texans and even non-Texas residents know the phrase and what it means. When it comes to defensive driving in Texas, it’s important to understand that Texans respond to pride in their state before they respond to much else.

The slogan took on a life of its own when it began as a media campaign more than fifteen years ago. Originally, it referred to the bad habit of drivers to leave a trail of litter made of candy wrappers, bottles, fast food containers and cigarette butts to name a few. What began as an educational measure took on a life of its own and sets a tone for Texas defensive driving classes online and off.

Defend This State

Don’t Mess With Texas encourages and demands that Texas defensive drivers do more than just obey the law. It requires them to uphold the law. It reminds Texans to defend their state against litterbugs, drunk drivers and chaos that could leave a swath of destruction across the cherished landscape that comprises the state of Texas.

The slogan is filled with pride and it cuts through all the bull and gets to the point. But what really makes the Don’t Mess With Texas slogan so effective is that it full embodies the spirit of Texas – it calls to mind the defenders of the Alamo, the pioneering spirit of the state, the war for Texas independence from Mexico and even the admittance to the Union in 1845.

History Isn’t Talk

When it comes to Texans and roadways, they don’t just talk the talk; they have to walk their talk. Don’t Mess With Texas reminds Texans of where they came from and where they are going. When Texans travel, they refer to themselves as Texans before they call themselves Americans. This does not diminish their pride in their country, but demonstrates their pride in themselves and their state.

Driving in Texas is a Privilege; Not a Right

When Texans go to driving school or Texas defensive driving, whether they are teenagers or recent transplants to the state, they are reminded of what it is to be a Texan. They are reminded of their rights and they are reminded of their privileges. Texans have a right to live in safety. They have a right to live in their beautiful state. They are offered the privilege of driving.

A driver’s privileges end when it tramples on the rights of other Texans. That means no littering. That means not driving drunk. That means not driving recklessly. That means not driving up costs to the Texas people to the tune of $33.5 million dollars a year to clean up roadside litter. That means while Texans like to drive their pick-up trucks, they need to keep their lightweight objects secure when they are in the bed. More than half of all roadside litter comes from objects flying out of truck beds. Considering how many Texans drive trucks – it’s worth remembering that objects flying out of a truck bed might as well be tossed out the window.

Texans Have:

• A right to a beautiful state

• A right to drive on good roads

• A right to improve their state

• A right to have their laws enforced

Don’t Mess With Texas --- it’s the law and it’s a way of life.