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...
Keep Holidays Happy by Getting a Sober Ride
December 4, 2025 – December has highest number of drunk driving crashes in Texas PARIS – The loss of a loved one hits even harder over the holidays. There are empty chairs at thousands of tables for Texas families devastated by deadly drunk driving crashes. As Texans gather to celebrate this time of year, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is urging Texans to extend their well-known kindness and courtesy to...
TxDOT Approves Nearly $285 Million for Pedestrian and Bicycle Projects
November 23, 2025 – Projects include sidewalks, bike lanes and safety improvements PARIS – The Texas Transportation Commission has approved more than $284.8 million for bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure that will help improve safety, mobility, access and quality of life for people across the state. These federal Transportation Alternative funds will go toward 73 projects statewide that will build sidewalks, shared use paths,...
Texas Streak Reaches Tragic 25 Years of Daily Deaths
November 9, 2025 – DPS to hand out tip cards to help #EndTheStreakTX PARIS – Every single day for the past quarter century, a mother, father, son or daughter has died in a crash in Texas. There are many wonderful things Texas is known for, but the 25-year streak of daily deaths is one thing we need to change – and we can’t do it alone. Nov. 7, 2000, was the last deathless day on Texas roads, and since then the...
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,...
