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...
Headed North? New Oklahoma Laws Target Drunk Drivers
New Oklahoma Law Expands Felony DUI Criteria Starting November 1 October 22, 2025 – A new Oklahoma law taking effect November 1 will significantly toughen penalties for driving under the influence, expanding the criteria for what qualifies as a felony DUI offense. Oklahoma casinos say 80% of their patrons are from the Lone Star State. Under the revised statute, individuals can now face felony charges even for a first-time DUI,...
Tips to Keep Aging Drivers Safe
October 19, 2025 -Older motorists are encouraged to consider how changes in vision, strength and reflexes can affect driving Oct. 16, 2025 PARIS – Older motorists can teach the rest of us a lot about driving like a Texan: kind, courteous and safe. However, there comes a time when it’s important to assess whether they can drive safely. The population of Texans age 65 and older is growing faster than any other age group in the...
Shorter Days Bring Deadly Risks for Walkers in Texas
October 3, 2025 – TxDOT urges vigilance during deadliest month for pedestrians PARIS – On a Sunday afternoon last fall, Brenna Cole-Pickrel laced up her shoes and headed out for a jog with her dog Daisy. Brenna never made it home. A recently married major in the U.S. Air Force, 31-year-old Cole-Pickrel was serving as a security expert at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland when she was struck in a San Antonio crosswalk. She...
Car Seats Save Lives
September 16, 2025 – TxDOT is urging parents to correctly restrain child passengers amid rise in unrestrained deaths PARIS – Texas parents will do anything to protect their child – like checking under the bed for monsters at night or researching all the ingredients in baby food. But one of the most effective ways to protect children is often overlooked: properly securing them in a car seat every time they ride. We...
