AUSTIN, TEXAS-- TXDOT is encouraging you to be a safer driver by spelling it out for you.

TXDOT is putting up safety messages that show the number of traffic deaths so far this year.

Although the number of people killed in accidents in Texas has decreased by 21 percent since 2003, there were still about 3,000 people killed in 2011.

TXDOT hopes the messages will remind drivers to follow the speed limit, avoid distractions, wear their seat belts and not drink and drive.

More than 700 message signs will go up across the state.