Texas, a state defined by vast distances and high-volume commerce, relies heavily on its extensive highway system. Safety on these roads is paramount, yet the state currently finds itself at a critical crossroads.
A recent report by TRIP, a national transportation research organization, reveals a nuanced trend. Traffic fatalities in Texas have declined for the third consecutive year, dropping by 8% between 2021 and 2024. This decrease comes four years after numbers surged during the pandemic, when a drop in traffic coincided with dramatically changed (and often more dangerous) driver behavior.
However, the longer-term picture reveals a complex challenge. Despite recent gains, fatalities are significantly higher than in the last decade, showing an 18% increase from 2014.
This disparity underscores that while recent efforts are showing progress, sustained safety requires a multi-pronged approach.
In this article, we’ll explore the major infrastructure upgrades and regulatory measures that are improving safety and lowering accident risks on Texas highways.
Strategic Investment in Safer Highway Infrastructure
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) actively invests in widening highways, upgrading medians, adding turn lanes, and enhancing lighting and signage to reduce accidents.
During the 2023 State Fiscal Year, TxDOT approved 497 projects totaling approximately $544 million through the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP). In addition, five projects were funded for $20 million through the State Systemic Widening effort. These projects focus on high-risk areas such as intersections, sharp curves, and narrow rural highways, where crashes and fatalities are most concentrated.
Systemic and hotspot safety improvements are incorporated into all construction and maintenance projects. Innovative signal systems and pedestrian upgrades in urban centers like Austin and Dallas improve traffic safety and conditions for non-motorists. Expanded shoulders and grade separations at intersections further enhance safety by reducing multi-vehicle collisions and supporting smoother, safer traffic flow.
Enhanced Regulations for Driver Accountability
Infrastructure improvements must be coupled with rigorous regulations. Texas lawmakers continually update the Transportation Code to empower agencies like TxDOT and DPS, directly targeting dangerous driving behavior.
A prime example is the expanded Move Over/Slow Down law. Under Texas law, drivers must either change lanes or reduce their speed by 20 mph below the limit when passing roadside vehicles displaying flashing lights. As of September 1, 2025, this rule also covers animal control and parking enforcement vehicles. Violations can incur fines up to $1,250 for a first offense.
Regulatory initiatives also focus on root causes, utilizing enhanced seatbelt enforcement, tough anti-DWI campaigns, and distracted-driving crackdowns. These efforts use stronger fines and broader enforcement to make Texas highways increasingly hostile to unsafe habits.
Strategies for Enhancing Commercial Vehicle Safety
Texas’s freight and trucking sector is essential to the economy but poses serious highway safety risks. Large trucks, often overloaded or driven by fatigued operators, are frequently involved in catastrophic multi-vehicle collisions, particularly on high-speed rural highways and interstates.
Safety efforts combine systemic and behavioral interventions. Technology upgrades, such as electronic logging devices and collision avoidance systems, help mitigate risks like driver fatigue. Behavioral interventions, including public education campaigns, regular driver training, and continuous vehicle maintenance, further enhance safety.
Infrastructure improvements, like wider shoulders and additional passing lanes, also reduce crash potential by providing more maneuvering space. However, the risk of severe truck accidents in Texas remains a major concern.
According to Loewy Law Firm, trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds compared to around 3,000 pounds for most cars. This extreme weight disparity often results in severe or fatal injuries for occupants of smaller vehicles. Therefore, victims should consult experienced lawyers to navigate complex trucking regulations, establish liability, and pursue full compensation.
Advancing Safety Through Smart Technology
Texas highways are increasingly leveraging advanced technology for safety. Real-time tools like Road Weather Information Systems (RWIS) and variable speed limit signs alert drivers to hazards. Intelligent transportation systems in urban centers further reduce congestion linked to higher crash risks.
The state has also been at the forefront of innovation by converting a 92-mile segment of State Highway 130 (SH130) into an autonomous drone hub. Partnering with the Autonomy Institute, Texas launched the Intelligent Infrastructure Economic Zone (IIEZ). This initiative features 10 drone operation areas that support essential functions such as inspections, emergency response, and public safety missions..
Electronic logging devices (ELDs) in the state prevent commercial driver fatigue, and remote monitoring ensures quick incident detection. Integrating this cutting-edge technology into public safety significantly enhances the state's capacity for rapid response and proactive accident prevention.
Maintenance and Emergency Response for Reducing Post-Crash Risks
Ongoing highway maintenance and rapid emergency response programs play a critical role in reducing post-crash risks on Texas roads. TxDOT, in partnership with local agencies, deploys teams to remove debris, respond to disabled vehicles, and manage hazardous conditions.
Secondary crashes, which occur when moving vehicles collide with stationary ones, are a major danger. To combat this, TxDOT and Midland County introduced the HERO (Highway Emergency Response Operator) program on State Highway 191 and Interstate 20.
Modeled after successful programs in Austin, San Antonio, and El Paso, HERO trucks offer rapid incident clearance, traffic management, and roadside assistance. These efforts reduce post-crash risks, prevent secondary collisions, and quickly restore traffic flow, enhancing safety for all highway users.
FAQs
How does Texas fund improvements for roads and highways?
Texas funds road and highway improvements through a combination of state and federal sources. Revenue comes from fuel taxes, vehicle registration fees, tolls, and federal transportation grants. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) allocates these funds to maintenance, expansions, safety projects, and infrastructure upgrades across urban and rural highways.
What is the leading cause of motor vehicle crashes in Texas?
Driver inattention and distraction, often due to texting, phone use, or eating, are the primary reasons for motor vehicle crashes in Texas. Speeding, impaired driving, and failure to yield also contribute, but distracted driving consistently remains the top factor in accident reports statewide.
Is it the law in Texas to pull over for emergency vehicles?
Yes, under Texas law, drivers are required to yield to emergency vehicles displaying flashing lights or sounding sirens. Motorists must safely pull to the right and come to a complete stop until the vehicle has passed. Noncompliance can lead to fines, license points, or harsher legal consequences.
Texas highways have become safer through a combination of improved infrastructure, updated regulations, and advanced safety technology. Ongoing maintenance, emergency response programs, and targeted commercial vehicle initiatives further reduce crash risks. Continued enforcement and public awareness are essential to sustain these gains and protect all road users.
