Grieving mother partners with TxDOT to combat distracted driving after losing children

Dee Davila-Estelle's tragic loss of her children in a distracted driving crash fuels her advocacy to prevent further heartbreak.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 12:49am

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An extremely abstracted, out-of-focus photograph of a car's dashboard and steering wheel, with a faint reflection of hands on the wheel, conveying a sense of distraction and the fleeting nature of a moment.A grieving mother's crusade to end distracted driving and prevent further heartbreak.Dallas Today

Dee Davila-Estelle's life changed in an instant 10 years ago when a distracted driver hit her family's car, killing her two oldest children, Alex Trejo and Gabbi Estelle. Now, Estelle is partnering with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving and prevent other families from experiencing the same tragedy.

Why it matters

Distracted driving is a major issue in Texas, causing over 86,000 crashes and nearly 300 deaths in 2025 alone. Estelle's story highlights the devastating human cost of this preventable behavior and the importance of raising awareness to save lives.

The details

In 2016, Estelle was leaving the Texas Motor Speedway with her husband and three children when a driver going 70 MPH hit their car from behind while they were stopped at a red light. The driver was texting and driving. Estelle's two oldest children, Alex Trejo and Gabbi Estelle, were killed in the crash. Estelle broke or cracked every rib in her body, and her husband broke his back, while their youngest son survived with minor injuries.

  • In 2016, Estelle's family was involved in the fatal crash.
  • It has been 10 years since the tragedy occurred.
  • In 2025, TxDOT data revealed that distracted driving caused over 86,000 crashes, nearly 300 deaths, and over 2,600 serious injuries in Texas.
  • April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, when TxDOT will place additional signs and warnings on Texas roads.

The players

Dee Davila-Estelle

A grieving mother who lost her two oldest children, Alex Trejo and Gabbi Estelle, in a distracted driving crash 10 years ago. She is now partnering with TxDOT to raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving.

Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT)

The state transportation agency that is working with Estelle to combat distracted driving through awareness campaigns and increased signage on Texas roads.

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What they’re saying

“Was that phone more important than the lives you took?”

— Dee Davila-Estelle

“Distracted driving is 100% preventable. We suggest that if you know you are heading to meet someone, call them before you get in your car. Call and let them know you're on the way. Put that phone on do not disturb and don't let that distract you from the roads.”

— Tila Grant, TxDOT Spokesperson

“All it takes is a few seconds. I mean, you've got to consider not only somebody else's life but your own life.”

— Dee Davila-Estelle

What’s next

Throughout April, which is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, TxDOT will place additional signs and warnings on Texas roads as part of its 'Talk. Text. Crash.' campaign, urging drivers to stay off their phones while driving.

The takeaway

Estelle's tragic story serves as a powerful reminder of the devastating consequences of distracted driving and the importance of staying focused on the road. Her partnership with TxDOT to raise awareness and prevent further tragedies underscores the need for all drivers to make safety a top priority.