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...
Give ‘em a Brake: Drive Smart in Work Zones
April 16, 2026 – 203 people were killed in traffic crashes in Texas work zones last year PARIS – Highway work is dangerous work, often just inches away from speeding traffic. Help keep our workers and everyone on the road safe by slowing down in work zones and driving like a Texan: kind, courteous and safe. A growing state means more Texans on our roads, and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is meeting...
Drunk Driving Continues to Claim Lives in Texas as Officials Urge Help for Addiction
April 10, 2026 – Drunk driving remains a leading cause of death on Texas roads, with state officials and safety advocates continuing to warn about the dangers while encouraging those struggling with alcohol abuse to seek help. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, more than 1,000 people were killed in alcohol-related crashes in 2024—an average of about three deaths every day. Over the past decade, impaired driving...
Phones Down, Eyes Up, Texas
April 3, 2026 – Distracted driving a leading cause in Texas crashes PARIS – Whatever’s on the phone, it can’t be as important as what’s in front of you on the road. Pay attention behind the wheel — it can save a life. Unfortunately, drivers sometimes forget their fellow Texans and drive distracted. The Estelle family in Tarrant County knows all too well how losing focus can lead to a deadly crash. “The hardest thing...
Texas Teens Urged to Take the Pledge to Always Buckle Up
February 19, 2026 – TxDOT partners with UIL on high school seat belt challenge PARIS – Skipping seat belts isn’t a flex—it’s a deadly risk. The new “Saved by the Belt” competition challenges Texas teens to wear a seat belt every seat, every ride. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and the University Interscholastic League (UIL) are calling on high school students to pledge to buckle up every time they get...
