April marks Distracted Driving Awareness Month, bringing attention to the dangers of inattentive driving and the importance of staying focused on the road. Work Zone Awareness Week, observed from April 21-25, further underscores the need for caution as billions of dollars are invested in improving transportation infrastructure across the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
The Texas Transportation Commission has set a goal to reduce roadway deaths by 50% by 2035 and eliminate them entirely by 2050. Between 2018 and 2022, distracted driving led to nearly 2,000 serious-injury crashes and 240 fatal crashes in North Texas, highlighting the urgency of statewide safety initiatives led by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT).
Regional Efforts to Improve Roadway Safety
“An effective transportation system does more than move people to their destinations efficiently. It does so safely,” said Natalie Bettger, senior program manager for congestion management and system operation at the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG). “NCTCOG and the Regional Transportation Council work with our state and regional partners to ensure our growing population can continue to rely on the transportation system to get to work or school in the morning and home in the evening.”
Since 2021, NCTCOG has collaborated with metropolitan planning organizations and TxDOT to fund safety projects aimed at reducing fatalities on Texas highways. In 2022, the RTC approved a $54 million Management, Operations, Air Quality, and Safety Program to enhance roadway safety for drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians.
Safety Campaigns and Programs
NCTCOG oversees several initiatives designed to increase roadway safety awareness, including:
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Drive Aware North Texas: Focuses on reducing serious crashes by addressing dangerous driving behaviors.
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Safe Driving Campaign: Launched in 2021 to promote freight safety and encourage all drivers to prioritize safety near rail crossings.
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Railroad Crossing Safety Campaign: A partnership with Operation Lifesaver to educate the public on safe rail crossing practices.
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Look Out Texans: An educational initiative promoting 21 safety tips for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians.
Beyond public awareness campaigns, NCTCOG continues to support first responders through Traffic Incident Management training. Since its inception, more than 3,800 emergency responders from 139 cities and counties in the region have completed the program to enhance their ability to handle roadway incidents safely and efficiently.
