According to Report to Dallas, "Traffic is the lifeblood of the city. Slow down the traffic, and the heartbeat slows down. Stop it, and the city dies." Due to rapid growth during the 1950s, traffic congestion became a critical issue facing Dallas. In response, city planners and the Dallas Citizens Traffic Commission worked to keep traffic moving safely and efficiently; their efforts are documented in this film. The Dallas Citizens Traffic Commission was formed in 1936 and, by the 1950s, included citizens from every Dallas civic organization. Their mission was to improve traffic safety and efficiency for Dallas citizens.