Friday, April 25, 2025
A few months ago, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) asked each third grader of Gatesville Elementary School to anonymously submit artwork that represented safe driving.
After each student submitted their artwork, over 100 TxDOT employees voted on the artwork they believed should win first place, which was Kamdyn Redford's.
The drawing was made into a real life TxDOT sign that now stands in front of the Elementary School, which reads, “Less Phone More Road.” The sign was unveiled by TxDOT officials during a ceremony that took place on Monday, March 3.
TxDOT’s Jacob Smith gave a speech to Kamdyn and her classmates about the importance of the new sign and congratulated Kamdyn and everyone who participated in the art contest.
“This is a special day, and this has been six to seven months in the making,” Smith said during the ceremony. “At TxDOT, long ago, we had a meeting where we talked about the importance of safety on the roadway, and we tried to think out of the box of what can we do to educate the public about driving and drivers’ safety.”
Redford’s artwork is now displayed in front of the Elementary School for everyone to see as they enter the campus. She was also honored with a smaller version of the sign to have as a keepsake.
“We are so excited, and this was beyond what we thought,” Smith said. “Less Phone More Road, it is so simple but at the same time, so important.”
