Work Zone Fatalities Increase in Texas
AUSTIN – Work zone fatalities in Texas last year increased 27 percent, resulting in 181 lost lives. Of those fatalities, 174 (96 percent) were motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists. “People often think work zone crashes result in the deaths of roadside workers, but statistics show the vast majority of these fatalities are drivers like you and me who are passing through as motorists,” said TxDOT Executive Director James Bass. “We urge...
TxDOT Seeks to End One Fatality Accident a Day Since November 2000
Texas marks a grim milestone this weekend as at least one fatality has occurred each and every day on state roadways since Nov. 7, 2000. That’s 5,478 consecutive days with at least one fatality. In an effort to end this deadly 15-year streak, the Texas Department of Transportation, through its #EndTheStreakTX campaign, reminds drivers to stay alert, obey traffic laws and take personal responsibility behind the wheel. “More than 50,000...
Heatstroke Leading Cause of Non-Crash Vehicle Deaths for Children
Hopkins, Franklin, Delta Child Fatality Review Team (CFRT) reminds area residents that summer is here and temperatures continue to rise. So far this year, 11 children have died from heatstroke. Texas has been known to lead the states in high number of heatstroke fatalities. In just 10 minutes, your car temp can increase by 19 degrees and continue to rise. A child’s body heats up 3-5 times faster than an adult. It only takes a few...
Family Trapped After SUV Crash in Eastern Hopkins County
A family driving from California and headed for Atlanta, was involved in a single car accident Wednesday afternoon. The incident occurred on I-30 in eastern Hopkins County. The SUV drifted into the grassy median and traveled several hundred feet before hitting a concrete and cast iron drain. The vehicle’s bumper and various plastic parts were torn from the chassis. The vehicle continued to race further down the median toward...
Speeding Doesn’t Save Time, it Costs Lives
July 17, 2025 – TxDOT working with law enforcement to encourage people to slow down PARIS – Whether it’s catching a fish or smoking a brisket, Texans know the importance of patience. So, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is reminding drivers to use that patience behind the wheel and drive like a Texan: Kind. Courteous. Safe. Speed contributed to nearly 160,000 traffic crashes in Texas in 2024, resulting...
Drunk Driving Victims Share Heartbreaking Stories in Effort to Stop Drinking and Driving
NEWS RELEASE [email protected] (512) 463-8700 DRUNK DRIVING VICTIMS SHARE HEARTBREAKING STORIES IN EFFORT TO STOP DRINKING AND DRIVING TxDOT’s ‘Plan While You Can’ campaign features personal stories urging drivers to plan for a sober ride July 2, 2020AUSTIN – Sean Carter’s ability to speak was taken from him more than 15 years ago, when he was a college junior and went out drinking with friends. He knew...
Real Lives, Real Losses of Drunk Driving
June 17, 2025 – One quarter of the total traffic fatalities in Texas in 2024 were DUI-alcohol related PARIS – Marcus Nalepa and his 8-year-old daughter Kelsey were on the way to her softball practice in League City when their lives changed forever. Just feet from Kelsey’s elementary school, a drunk driver slammed into the family car at a stop light. Kelsey suffered brain injuries and died two days later. The Texas...
Paris District Road Report for Week of May 19, 2025
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in Fannin and Grayson Counties for the week starting May 19, 2025. These schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions, equipment failure or other unforeseen issues. Motorists are advised to remain alert and pay special attention to all signs, barricades, and traffic controls, and reduce their speed as they approach and travel through work zones. They should also avoid...
Seat Belts Only Work if you Wear Them
May 15, 2025 – TxDOT and law enforcement remind Texans to Click It or Ticket during increased enforcement period PARIS – It doesn’t matter who you are. It doesn’t matter what you do. Everyone needs to buckle up. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is working with law enforcement to remind Texas drivers to wear their seat belt every ride, every time. First responder learns life lesson In May 2023, Polk County...
Paris District Road Report for Week of May 12, 2025
Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in Fannin and Grayson Counties for the week starting May 12, 2025. These schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions, equipment failure or other unforeseen issues. Motorists are advised to remain alert and pay special attention to all signs, barricades, and traffic controls, and reduce their speed as they approach and travel through work zones. They should also avoid...